Migrate Microsoft Access data to Microsoft Dataverse
Microsoft Access users can now choose to migrate their data into Dataverse or Dataverse for Teams to make use of Azure cloud security and Microsoft Power Platform functionality. Migrating Access data to Dataverse provides many new opportunities for interaction and management of data.
Watch this short video about migrating Access data to Dataverse.
Migration is handled in Access using the export feature, and the migration tool that streamlines the process.
Once migrated, Access users can continue using their existing desktop client to manage their data. They're also able to use Power Platform to manage their data. Plus, they can:
- Create applications for desktop, laptop, phone, and tablet.
- Create automated processes based on the data and services in Dataverse or Dataverse for Teams.
- Create AI-driven virtual assistants based on the data.
- Perform deep analysis on the stored data using business intelligence.
Before you migrate, there are a few key factors to consider. Currently, Dataverse and Dataverse for Teams don't support every data type that is in Access. Additionally, some data types in Dataverse and Dataverse for Teams may have different data limits. More information: Data types and sizes for Access data migration to Dataverse
Dataverse and Dataverse for Teams offer differing features that you can use to best meet your needs. Dataverse for Teams is targeted at users who want to have Power Platform functionality within the Microsoft Teams application. Dataverse is included with licenses of Dynamics 365 or Power Apps. Organizations that have a Dataverse for Teams environment can choose later to upgrade to Dataverse.
| Dataverse | Dataverse for Teams |
|---|---|
| All available data types supported. | Relational data, image, and file data support, built on the core of Dataverse. |
| Dataverse enterprise-grade capabilities, including advanced Role-Based Access Control, highly extensible business logic, sophisticated reporting, and robust offline. | Use apps, chatbots, and automations backed by Dataverse embedded in Teams on any platform. |
| Existing premium connectors to enterprise systems such as SAP, Oracle, and so on. | Some data types are not supported or have minimal functionality (Currency, Date Only, Customer). |
| Standalone premium apps, bots, and automations outside of Teams. | Not all controls are available, such as bar code scanner, interface tools, and formulas. |
Total storage capacity is also different. Dataverse and Dataverse for Teams have a heterogenous data storage platform, which allows for storing different types of data in ways that help improve performance and lower cost of maintenance.
Access
Dataverse1
Dataverse for Teams
2-GB storage on local machine
- 10-GB relational database
- 20-GB file and image blob storage
- 2-GB log storage in non-relational storage
- You can purchase additional capacity as needed in any of the store types
- 2-GB storage (up to 1 million records) per Team
- Images, files, and logs stored separately in blob storage (counts towards 2-GB limit)
1 Single base license
For more information, go to How are Dataverse for Teams and Dataverse different?
Comparison of Access and Dataverse Terminology
Users integrating Access with Dataverse or Dataverse for Teams may find some differences in names for general features and functions. This section provides a guide to understand naming differences.
Unlike Access, Dataverse and Dataverse for Teams are data sources. The user interface layer will depend on what Power Platform feature you are using: Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, or Microsoft Copilot Studio. The lists below encompass naming differences and similarities at the database layer only.
| Access | Dataverse and Dataverse for Teams | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Key | Primary Key | The usage is the same but the key contents are different |
| Calculated Field | Calculated Column (property) | Dataverse does not have a calculated column data type but rather allows calculations to be created on individual data types like whole number, decimal, or text |
| Row | Row or record | Sometimes referred to as a record in Dataverse and Dataverse for Teams |
| Short Text | Text | Supported for migration |
| Long Text | Multiline Text | Supported for migration |
| Rich Text | Rich Text | Supported for migration |
| Number: Single | Float | Supported for migration |
| Number: Double | Float | Supported for migration |
| Large Number | Big Integer (BigInt) | Supported for migration, usable through Dataverse API, Power Apps UI does not currently support this |
| Number: Decimal | Decimal | Supported for migration |
| Yes/No | Yes/No | Supported for migration |
| Int | Whole Number | Supported for migration |
| Multi-Select Options | Choices | Supported for migration |
| GUID | Unique Identifier | In Dataverse and Dataverse for Teams, this is currently only used as a key |
| Hyperlink | URL | Supported for migration |
| Unique Index | Alternate Key | Not supported for migration |
| Multi-Value Lookup | Choice | Supported for migration |
Migrating Access databases into Dataverse solutions
To enable application lifecycle management (ALM), Dataverse uses solutions to allow for the management, and distribution of content including apps, tables, and more. A solution is a package of components such as tables, relationships, or other items that can be distributed across multiple Dataverse environments through solution export and import.
The Access migration tool allows users to choose if they wish to export their Access databases directly into a solution. Access databases in solutions are exported as an unmanaged solution. A solution must exist or be created in Dataverse prior to the migration to be used for the migration process. To learn more about solutions, go to: Solution Concepts