Usually, yes, especially for multi-user databases and large tables, but it’s not automatic. A straight copy of tables into SQL Server can actually run slower if forms and queries pull entire tables across the network, which is how many Access databases were originally designed.

The speed gains come from doing the work on the server:

• Proper indexes on the fields used for searching, sorting, and joining
• Views and stored procedures that filter and summarize data on the server before sending results
• Pass-through queries for heavy reports and batch updates
• Forms that load only what’s needed, such as one customer or one job, instead of every record
• Fewer domain functions like DLookup and DSum, which are slow over linked tables

We tune these areas as part of the migration and test performance with realistic data volumes and user counts. Databases that were slow over VPN often see the most dramatic improvement.

The result is a database your team experiences as faster and more dependable, not just one that technically runs on a new platform.