Unable to Access Power BI Datasets in Power BI Desktop - Need Help Connecting to SharePoint Excel

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I'm having trouble finding the "Power BI datasets" option in the "Get Data" dropdown in Power BI Desktop (Version: 2.132.1053.0 64-bit, August, 2024). I'm trying to connect to an Excel file stored in SharePoint or one that I've uploaded to my Power BI workspace, but I can't seem to figure out how to do it without that option.

Does anyone know how I can connect to the Excel file either directly from SharePoint or via the uploaded file in the workspace?

Any help would be appreciated!

[Shravan133]

if using power bi desktop, refresh manually.

If using power bi service, you need to setup scheduled refresh.

If i've answered your question, please mark my answer as solution.

[Shravan133 · Accepted solution]

1. Connecting to an Excel File in SharePoint:

1. In Power BI Desktop, click on Home > Get Data > More....
2. In the Get Data window, select SharePoint Folder under the File category and click Connect.
3. Enter the SharePoint site URL where your Excel file is stored.
4. After connecting, you will see a list of files in the SharePoint folder. Find your Excel file and load it.

2. Connecting to an Excel File Uploaded to Power BI Workspace:

If you have uploaded the Excel file to your Power BI workspace and want to connect to it:

1. Go to your Power BI Service and navigate to the workspace where the Excel file is uploaded.
2. Click on Datasets + dataflows > + New > Upload a file.
3. After uploading the Excel file, it will appear as a dataset in your workspace.
4. In Power BI Desktop, go to Home > Get Data > Power BI datasets (it should be available).
5. Find and select the dataset linked to your Excel file from the list to connect to it.

3. Using Web Connector for Excel in SharePoint:

Alternatively, you can use the Web connector:

1. In Power BI Desktop, click on Home > Get Data > Web.
2. Paste the direct link to your Excel file on SharePoint (ensure you have permissions and the correct link format).
3. Power BI will prompt you to sign in to SharePoint and then allow you to load the Excel file.

[Anonymous]

Hi Shravan, thanks for the response. While the first two options were giving me difficulties (permissions issue and unable to locate 'power bi datasets' option respectively), using the web connector seems to have done the trick! 

I would like to clarify, any updates to the excel doc are mirrored in the report upon refresh, right?

Thanks again!