Forum Discussion
Power BI cannot connect to SQL Server
Hi prabavathym
This happens because Tableau uses its own ODBC drivers, while Power BI depends on Microsoft SQL drivers. Fix is usually:
- Install the latest MSOLEDBSQL driver.
- In Power BI connection >> Advanced options, test with Encrypt/Trust server certificate on/off.
- Use SERVER,PORT instead of SERVER\INSTANCE.
- Ensure TCP/IP remote connections are enabled in SQL Server.
Hi prabavathym
Thank you for submitting your question to the Microsoft Fabric Community Forum.
The issue arises because Power BI depends on Microsoft SQL client drivers, whereas Tableau uses its own ODBC drivers, which is why Tableau is able to connect successfully while Power BI fails with errors like error 40 or pre-login handshake timeout.
As rohit1991 suggested, try installing the latest Microsoft OLE DB Driver for SQL Server (MSOLEDBSQL) and the Microsoft ODBC Driver (msodbcsql17 or 18) on the machine, and also on the gateway server if you are using Power BI Service.
Could you let us know if the suggested solution resolved your issue?If you still need help, please share more details so we can assist you further.
Thank you.