Applies ToAccess for Microsoft 365 Access 2024 Access 2021 Access 2019 Access 2016

Note: When you create a new table in Datasheet view, Access automatically creates a primary key for you and assigns it the AutoNumber data type.

  1. In Access, open the database that you want to modify.

  2. In the Navigation Pane, right-click the table to which you want to add the primary key, and click Design View.

    Tip: If you don't see the Navigation Pane, press F11 to display it.

  3. Locate the first available empty row in the table design grid.

  4. In the Field Name field, type a name, such as CustomerID

  5. In the Data Type field, click the drop-down arrow and click AutoNumber.

  6. Under Field Properties, in New Values, click Increment to use incrementing numeric values for the primary key, or click Random to use random numbers.

When you create a new table in Datasheet view, Access automatically creates a primary key for you and assigns it the AutoNumber data type.

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