Connector/NET 9.4.0

Hi TomSinAA, 

You’re seeing the “install the MySQL connector” prompt because Power BI Desktop can’t find a registered ADO.NET provider called “MySQL Data Provider.” That happens when the wrong architecture is installed, the provider wasn’t registered in .NET, or multiple/conflicting entries exist. MariaDB is wire-compatible with MySQL, so you can connect either via the MySQL provider or use the MariaDB connector route.

Troubleshooting steps:

1. Install the correct ADO.NET provider (x64) and verify it’s registered
   Uninstall all MySQL Connector/NET versions. Install the Oracle MySQL Connector/NET (x64). If 9.4.0 isn’t detected on your machine, try 8.2.0 (MSI) which included fixes for Excel/Power BI detection. Download: MySQL Connector/NET. Why 8.2.0 is a safe bet: Oracle noted a fix for apps like Excel and Power BI after 8.0.33; 8.2.0 includes that fix. See release notes: MySQL Connector/NET release notes.
   Close Power BI Desktop, then confirm registration by running this in PowerShell:
   

   [System.Data.Common.DbProviderFactories]::GetFactoryClasses() | Out-GridView

   You should see MySQL Data Provider (MySql.Data.MySqlClient). If you don’t, Power BI will keep prompting. Microsoft Learn: MySQL connector prerequisites
2. If it still isn’t detected, clean duplicate provider entries
   Open (as Administrator) the machine.config for .NET Framework (back it up first):
   C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\Config\machine.config
   If needed, also check Framework\v4.0.30319\Config\machine.config.
   In the <DbProviderFactories> section, remove duplicate “MySQL Data Provider” lines so only one remains for the version you installed. Reinstall Connector/NET (x64) and restart Power BI. Community members have reported this resolves the persistent prompt. Community thread with machine.config fix
3. Alternative for MariaDB: use the MariaDB connector path
   In Get Data, pick MariaDB (DirectQuery supported). If prompted, install MariaDB ODBC 3.1+; the MariaDB Direct Query adapter uses the ODBC driver. Docs: MariaDB Direct Query Adapter for Power BI
4. Planning to refresh in the Service?
   Install the same connector on the on-premises data gateway machine (personal mode isn’t supported for MySQL). MySQL connector prerequisites (gateway note)

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