# How to Compact MS Access Database

> To compact your MS Access database, ensure it is closed and select Options from the File menu. Next, click Current Database in the Access Options dialog, check the Compact on Close setting, and click OK to confirm your action.

Canonical: https://livedemo.ai/tutorials/how-to-compact-ms-access-database/
Updated: 2026-10-05
Interactive demo: https://story-api.livedemo.ai/workspaces/62255d3d3304f17b8f5e2d03/stories/692a330dab56e05a00fd6f66/preview?step=1

## Steps

1. Ensure the database you want to compact is closed. From the 'File' menu, select 'Options'.
2. In the 'Access Options' dialog, click on 'Current Database' in the left pane.
3. Scroll down to the 'Compact on Close' setting and click on it.
4. Click 'OK'.
5. Click 'OK' to confirm the action.