Linking Direct SharePoint File URL via Web Not Working

[iarerichard]

Hi all,

I've read and researched several potential solutions for my problem but nothing seems to work.

I would like to Get Data > Web. I am pasting the following - 

https://COMPANY.sharepoint.com/sites/FOLDER/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7B86B8BD88-E690-4028-977... 

I'm attempting an Anonymous access, I've also attempted via Windows & Organisation but keep getting the error - "Unable to connect. We encountered an error while trying to connect. URL is invalid etc."

The link to me looks correct but I also feel it may have additional stuff in there. This is copied directly from the web browser, not from the copy link option on SharePoint. I've tried that too and it isn't correct.

Any thoughts or help please?

[Nasif_Azam]

Hey @iarerichard ,

You're encountering this error because you're using a SharePoint page URL rather than a direct file path URL SharePoint expects when connecting via Get Data > Web in Power BI or Excel. The error means Power BI (or Excel) cannot parse or authenticate against SharePoint web-view links (_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?...) because they’re not true file paths. These are UI navigation links, not direct file access paths.

Correct Way to Get the SharePoint File URL

1. Go to the SharePoint document library where your file is stored.

2. Click the 3 dots (⋯) next to the file.

3. Select "Copy link", then: If it says something like: https://COMPANY.sharepoint.com/:x:/r/sites/...  -- this is still not good.

4. Instead, open the document library in "classic view" or use the “Sync” option or open in OneDrive.

5. Then copy the actual file path, which should look like:

   https://COMPANY.sharepoint.com/sites/YourSite/Shared Documents/FolderName/YourFile.xlsx

   Make sure the URL ends with the filename (e.g., .xlsx, .csv, .xlsb, etc.).

Example

Instead of:

https://COMPANY.sharepoint.com/sites/FOLDER/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc={GUID}

Use:

https://COMPANY.sharepoint.com/sites/FOLDER/Shared Documents/YourFile.xlsx

 

If you found this solution helpful, please consider accepting it and giving it a kudos (Like) it’s greatly appreciated and helps others find the solution more easily.

Best Regards,
Nasif Azam

[mark_endicott · Accepted solution]

@iarerichard - That URL is not correct for the web connector.

You should open the Sharepoint Excel file in the desktop app, and navigate to File > Info. Once there you will see a button called "Copy path". 

Click that, and then you'll paste that link into Power BI.

One more step, delete ?web=1 from the end and you should be left with a link that ends .xlsx

If I answered your question please mark my post as the solution, it helps others with the same challenge find the answer!

[iarerichard]

This worked! Thank you for your help, I never considered opening in the desktop app but this is a much more streamline URL.

I've marked your comment as the solution. Thanks.