Issues logging into the program access

Hi @teresa roesemann 

To better understand the issue, could you please clarify a few details: 

-Where did you download the trial version from? If possible, please share the exact download link you used.  

-Could you also share the screenshot of the prompt asking you to enter a passkey?  

Microsoft Access does not have a standalone trial. Instead, it is included with the Microsoft 365 free trial, which gives you one month of access to the full Office suite. 

You can read more at Compare Microsoft 365 Plans & Pricing (Formerly Office 365) - Microsoft Store. 

If your goal is only to open and view an Access database file without editing or creating new ones, you may not need the trial at all. You can download the Microsoft Access Runtime for free from Download and install Microsoft 365 Access Runtime - Microsoft Support. 

Please know that while our initial response might not resolve the issue right away, your input is incredibly valuable. With a bit more detail, we’ll work together to find the best solution for you.   

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Can you open any other Office app such as Excel or Word?

The passkey error indicates that the passkey being entered is not valid for the account or device being used, even if it was just created. To resolve this, follow these steps:

1. Verify how the sign-in is being done
   • When opening Access, ensure the correct Microsoft account is used (the same one that was used to start the free Microsoft 365 trial).
   • If prompted for a passkey, confirm that this is a passkey-based sign-in (for example, Windows Hello, security key, or a passkey stored on a phone) and not a normal password prompt.
2. Check for invalid or old passkeys
   • If the message indicates the device or passkey cannot be used, it may no longer be valid for that account or device.
   • Sign in to the account using an alternative method offered on the sign-in screen (for example, password or another verification method).
   • After signing in, review and remove any passkeys that no longer apply to the account, then create a new one.
3. If using a phone or another device as the passkey source
   • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both the Windows PC and the phone if using the “iPhone, iPad or Android device” option.
   • Ensure both devices are in range and connected to the internet.
   • If this is a work or school account, the organization might block authentication via another device using Bluetooth.
4. If the passkey is stored on the device but still fails
   • The passkey may no longer be valid on that device. Use “Sign in another way” on the sign-in prompt, complete sign-in, then delete any invalid passkeys from the account and set up a new passkey.

If the issue persists after removing old passkeys and creating a new one, sign in using the account password instead of a passkey when launching Access, then continue using Access normally during the trial.

References:

• Troubleshoot signing in with a passkey
• Use a passkey in Windows