Forum Discussion
Sharepoint folder excel live update
i have excel file located inside sharepoint folder, i want to connect power bi with this file so that if anyone update data in excel file it should immediately reflect in power bi report without refreshing the semantic model (dataset) in power bi service , can it be possible?
In Power Automate, create an Automated cloud flow. Use the trigger “SharePoint - When a file is created or modified (properties only)” and select your Site, Library, and folder (add a Condition if you want it to run only for file.xlsx). Add the action “Power BI (Fabric) - Refresh a semantic model” (or “Refresh a dataset”), then choose the workspace and model. Save and test. Whenever the Excel file changes, the flow runs and triggers a dataset refresh. You need workspace permission, the dataset’s SharePoint credentials must be set, the report updates only after the refresh finishes, and you can add a short Delay step to avoid multiple refreshes during rapid edits.
4 Replies
No,Excel in SharePoint can’t update a Power BI report “live” without a dataset refresh. With Import mode the data only changes when the dataset refreshes. Your options are:
(1) Set up Scheduled refresh (Pro: up to 8/day, Premium: up to 48/day)
(2) Use Power Automate to trigger a dataset refresh whenever the file is modified
(3) If you truly need near-real-time, move the data to a DirectQuery source (e.g., SQL/Dataverse/Fabric table) and use Auto page refresh,Excel isn’t supported for DirectQuery.
Hi rohit1991 ,
can you please share some more details on second option you mentioned using power automate "Use Power Automate to trigger a dataset refresh whenever the file is modified". I am not clear what it means
In Power Automate, create an Automated cloud flow. Use the trigger “SharePoint - When a file is created or modified (properties only)” and select your Site, Library, and folder (add a Condition if you want it to run only for file.xlsx). Add the action “Power BI (Fabric) - Refresh a semantic model” (or “Refresh a dataset”), then choose the workspace and model. Save and test. Whenever the Excel file changes, the flow runs and triggers a dataset refresh. You need workspace permission, the dataset’s SharePoint credentials must be set, the report updates only after the refresh finishes, and you can add a short Delay step to avoid multiple refreshes during rapid edits.
Hi powerbiexpert22 ,
Thanks rohit1991 for sharing the detailed steps.
Did you get a chance to look into the solution shared above? If not, I’d recommend following it using the Power Automate “When a file is created or modified” trigger linked to a Power BI dataset refresh will ensure your report updates automatically after changes to your Excel in SharePoint. It’s the most reliable approach given Excel can’t be used in true DirectQuery mode.
Regards,
Akhil.
