Power BI data refresh from Excel data source when the file is open

[DataNinja777]

Hi Power BI Community,

Previously, I was able to refresh Power BI data from Excel data source even when the Excel file is open, but recently I am getting a message like below, and I cannot refresh pbix file when the source Excel file is open.  This behavior is similar to Excel Power Pivot resfresh, which requires the source Excel file is closed in order to refresh the data.  Has anything been changed recently regarding the ability of Power BI to refresh from Excel source data when the Excel file is open?  

Thank you for your insights. 

Best regards,

[DataNinja777]

Thank you @Ritaf1983 .  I've used Power BI in multiple workplaces since 2017, and Power BI data when the source Excel file was open could always be refreshed until a few days ago, and I regarded this as one of many advantages of Power BI over Excel Power Pivot.  Thank you for letting me know about an alternative experience. 

Best regards,

[Ritaf1983 · Accepted solution]

Hi @DataNinja777 

The real surprise here is that it worked for you before :).

I've been using the tool since 2017 and the refresh only works when the file is closed.

I'm attaching links to some very old discussions on the subject:

https://www.myonlinetraininghub.com/excel-forum/power-query/power-bi-refresh-from-open-excel-workboo...

https://community.fabric.microsoft.com/t5/Desktop/How-to-refresh-dataset-from-an-opening-Excel-file/...

If this post helps, then please consider Accepting it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.