Installing the Northwind Sample Database in Microsoft Access 2013

Download a sample database for easy learning in Access

The Northwind sample database, which has long been available to Microsoft Access users, contains sample tables, queriesreports, and other database features. If you're learning Access and working your way through online tutorials, install the sample Access database is helpful.

Instructions in this article apply to Access for Microsoft 365, Access 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010.

Database development
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Installing the Northwind Database

Access database templates are available from within the application.

  1. Open Microsoft Access and select New in the left pane.

    New in left pane of Access at startup
  2. Type "Northwind" in the Search for Online Templates box and press Enter.

    Access template search
  3. Select Northwind in the result screen.

  4. In the File Name text box, enter a filename for your Northwind database.

    File name in Access template download
  5. Select Create. Access will download the Northwind database from Microsoft and prepares your copy. It may take a few minutes.

    Create button in Access database download section
  6. Your database will open automatically when it is ready.

About the Northwind Database

The Northwind database is based on a fictitious company named Northwind Traders. It incorporates sales transactions between the company and its customers and purchasing details between the company and its vendors. It includes tables for inventory, orders, customers, employees, and more. It is the basis for many tutorials and books on using Access.

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