How to Create a Blank Database in Access 2016

You can create a blank database either from the Welcome screen, or the File menu.

Here, I'll show you how to create a blank database using both methods; from the Welcome screen, then from the File menu.

From the Welcome Screen

The Welcome screen is the screen that is displayed when you first open Access.

  1. Screenshot of the MS Access 2016 Welcome Screen

    Select a Blank Database

    Open Microsoft Access and click Blank desktop database from the Welcome screen.

  2. Screenshot of providing a database name

    Name the Database

    Name the database at the prompt, then click Create.

  3. Screenshot of blank database with a table

    The Result

    A blank database is created. However, it does contain one table that is ready to be configured.

From the File Menu

If you already have Access open, you can create a blank database from the File menu.

  1. Screenshot of the File menu of MS Access 2016

    Open the File Menu

    Click File in the top-left corner of Access.

  2. Screenshot of the File > New menu of MS Access 2016

    Select a Blank Database

    Click New from the left menu.

    Click Blank desktop database to create a new database.

  3. Screenshot of providing a database name

    Name the Database

    Name the database at the prompt, then click Create.

  4. Screenshot of blank database with a table

    The Result

    A blank database is created. As with the previous example, it contains one table that is ready to be configured.