Forum Discussion
[PowerQuery] add (same) column from another table
Hi Jamesmry ,
Thank you for your follow up. Regarding your additional questions:
Power Query is designed around table transformations and relational operations, so bringing data from another table is typically handled through Merge Queries rather than a direct “copy matching column” button in the UI. While it may feel like a missing shortcut, the intended approach is to explicitly define how the two tables relate (common key, join type, etc.), which provides more control and reliability for different data scenarios.
As for the Combine Files option being grayed out, this usually happens when the source is not connected through the Folder connector. The Combine Files feature is specifically enabled when you import data using Get Data > Folder, where Power Query can detect multiple files in one location and apply the same transformation pattern across them. If the files are loaded individually or through another connector, that option may remain unavailable.
To add a column from another table, the recommended method is Merge Queries + Expand.
To use Combine Files, connect through the Folder source so Power Query can recognize the files as a group.
Hope this clarifies the behavior.Thank you.
Hi Jamesmry ,
Thank you MFelix , pankajnamekar25 for your inputs.
We’d like to follow up regarding the recent concern. Kindly confirm whether the issue has been resolved, or if further assistance is still required. We are available to support you and are committed to helping you reach a resolution.
Thank you.
Hi v-echaithra
Thank you. I have replied to them, I also would appreciate your expertise for that question:
So my question is the following: why is PowerQuery missing such useful funtionality embedded in its interface?
Additionally, why is the "Combine files" option grayed where my files are located in the same folder and share the same structure (which would have simplified my work and probably avoid this issue)?
Kind regards,