Skip to main content
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Calling all Data Engineers! Fabric Data Engineer (Exam DP-700) live sessions are back! Starting October 16th. Sign up.

Reply
prasa
Helper I
Helper I

Save Credentials for Excel in pbix file

One of the datasources in my desktop report is using excel file from a shared location which I have access to. If I want to store some common account credentials to access that excel file, I cannot edit permissions for this excel file from the datasource settings. I am able to edit permission for all other datsources like sql, sharepoint. Is there a way to store credentials in pbix file for accessing the excel file from that shared path?

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Hi @prasa,

 

Yes, when using SQL Server datasource, Power BI desktop will ask for a credential. However, it is not sotred in pbix file. The credential for the data source are stored on the machine which have the .pbix created C:\Users\<user name>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Power BI Desktop\User.zip.

 

So yes. It is the case with all datasource not just Excel.

 

Reference: https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Desktop/Query-Editor-requires-credentials/td-p/164515 

 

Thanks,
Xi Jin.

View solution in original post

5 REPLIES 5
v-xjiin-msft
Solution Sage
Solution Sage

Hi @prasa,

 

As I know, currently it is not supported to store credentials in pbix file.

 

So I would suggest you to submit an idea for a feature request.

 

Thanks,
Xi Jin.

Is it the case with any datasource or just excel? I see an option to input database credentials for sql datasource. Will it not be saved in the file?

 

Hi @prasa,

 

Yes, when using SQL Server datasource, Power BI desktop will ask for a credential. However, it is not sotred in pbix file. The credential for the data source are stored on the machine which have the .pbix created C:\Users\<user name>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Power BI Desktop\User.zip.

 

So yes. It is the case with all datasource not just Excel.

 

Reference: https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Desktop/Query-Editor-requires-credentials/td-p/164515 

 

Thanks,
Xi Jin.

I need to update the credentials, however, I can only find The credential for the data source are stored on the machine which have the .pbix created C:\Users\<user name>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Power BI Desktop\,

the "User.zip" folder is not found. @v-xjiin-msft 

Okay got it. Thank you. 

Helpful resources

Announcements
FabCon Global Hackathon Carousel

FabCon Global Hackathon

Join the Fabric FabCon Global Hackathon—running virtually through Nov 3. Open to all skill levels. $10,000 in prizes!

October Power BI Update Carousel

Power BI Monthly Update - October 2025

Check out the October 2025 Power BI update to learn about new features.

FabCon Atlanta 2026 carousel

FabCon Atlanta 2026

Join us at FabCon Atlanta, March 16-20, for the ultimate Fabric, Power BI, AI and SQL community-led event. Save $200 with code FABCOMM.