Excel 2016 Preview and On-Prem SQL Server data refresh issue

[Anonymous]

HI,

I just created a new model on Excel 2016 using power Query. After I uploaded the Excel file to Power BI web app it said "You cannot schedule refresh for this dataset because it gets data from sources that currently don’t support refresh. Learn more about data sources that currently support refresh."

Actually, I'm surprised, why it is not supprted when the exact same file created on Excel 2013 works perfectly?

Any explanation would be appreciated.

[WaleedAlsayed]

Usually , its Data Source Configuration Issues

If you are experiencing problems, it may indicate that there is an issue with the data source. Please check the data source settings in the DataSport configuration and make any necessary corrections. Once fixed, the schedule will function properly.

[Nabha-Ahmed]

 Hi

This issue happens because Power BI Service only supports scheduled refresh for Excel files that use the “Power Query + Data Model” structure saved in a way that Power BI can read.

Excel 2013 and Excel 2016 do not save Power Query connections the same way, and Power BI Service treats the Excel 2016 file as if it contains unsupported local connections.

Here are the steps that usually fix it:

1. Make sure you save the file as “Excel Workbook” (.xlsx), not .xlsm / .xlsb

Power BI can’t refresh queries inside some Excel formats.

2. Open Excel → Power Query → Data Source Settings → set all sources to “Public/Organizational”

If the source privacy level is “Private”, Power BI Service blocks refresh.

3. Ensure the file is stored in OneDrive or SharePoint

Local Excel files uploaded manually don’t support refresh unless the gateway is used.

4. Check if your queries use:

local files

dynamic file paths

unsupported connectors in the Service

These will block refresh.

5. If your file uses Power Query only (without Data Model), Power BI Service cannot refresh it

Excel 2013 automatically created the Data Model, but Excel 2016 doesn’t unless you explicitly load to data model.

So make sure your queries are loaded into:

Power Pivot → Data Model → Save

[sqlmaster]

Can you please check if your workbook have at least one Power Pivot data connection.

As Office2016 is still in CTP (preview mode), MS development team are working to enable this feature.

FYI Excel Data Models compatibility.