Linking to External Data Sources

Importing copies data into Access once; linking instead keeps a live connection to data stored elsewhere — another Access database, an Excel file, or a SQL Server database — so Access always shows the current, up-to-date information, without needing to be re-imported every time the source changes.

Go to External Data, then choose the source type, and instead of "Import," choose "Link to the data source by creating a linked table." A linked table appears in the Navigation Pane with a small arrow icon beside it, distinguishing it from a normal, locally stored table. You can build queries, forms, and reports from a linked table exactly as though it were a normal one, but editing its data — where permitted — actually updates the original, external source directly.