You have several choices here.
You can consider a upgrade to vs2022. it is the FIRST version of VS that is x64 bits.
Or, you can consider downloading the x32 bit version of the ACE data engine. (this is quite a bit less then say trying to install Access (free runtime) or in fact installing office/Access.
However, assuming that you do already have office x64 installed (and if that includes Access)? I think best bet is to go with vs2022.
However, you can as noted download + install the ACE x32 bit version.
that can be found here:
[https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=54920
And you can install from above either the x64 bit verison of ACE, or the x32 bit. (if you do however install the x32 bit verison, then you have to force your project to x86, and not x64.
However, if you want, you can of course install ACE x64, and force your project to x64. EVEN dispite the fact that vs is x32 bits, it will still work (the test connection button will NOT work, but when you run your code, it will.
DO KEEP in mind that since you have office x64 installed, then if you do choose to go with x32? The installer will complain about this, but you can "by pass" that issue by opening a command line window, and typing in this:
eg this:
$yourPath$\AccessDatabaseEngine.exe /passive
So, you have many choices here. As noted, with your current setup (vs x32), and office x64? I suggest htat you download + install the x32 bit version of ace, and then as noted, force your project to run as x32.
Another road as noted? Install vs2022, and then force/keep your project as x64 bits, and download + install the x64 bit version of ACE.
Regards,
Albert D. Kallal (Access MVP 2003-2017)
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada