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Power BI cannot connect to SQL Server
I can connect to SQL Server from Tableau (Direct Query) without issues, but Power BI fails with errors like “error: 40 - Could not open a connection to SQL Server” or “Connection Timeout / pre-login ...
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
Just checking in as we haven't received a response to our previous message. Were you able to review the information above? Let us know if you have any additional questions.
Thank You.