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BIscoverer's avatar
BIscoverer
Helper I
5 months ago

Excel Power Query / Analysis Services authentication fails after reopening workbook

Hi everyone, I am experiencing an issue in Excel desktop when using Power Query to connect to an Analysis Services model with Microsoft Entra SSO. I am using SQL Server Analysis Services database co...
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Zanqueta's avatar
Zanqueta
Super User
5 months ago

Hi  BIscoverer

In practice, Excel sometimes attempts to re‑use an expired or invalid SSO token without triggering the interactive sign‑in flow. Because the SSAS connector relies on an authentication broker external to Excel, the workbook ends up in a state where:
  • an invalid token persists in the credential cache;
  • Excel does not display a login prompt;
  • Power Query returns an authentication error instead of requesting fresh credentials.

    Please, try follow this steps:

    • Clearing credentials works temporarily because it forces a new interactive sign‑in.
    • Updating Excel to Current Channel, switching to the XMLA connector, ensuring modern auth is enabled, or performing a full Office sign‑out/sign‑in typically resolves the issue.

       

  • BIscoverer's avatar
    BIscoverer
    Helper I
    4 months ago

    Hi Zanqueta,

    Thank you for the suggestions.

     

    Your description of the problem matches what I'm experiencing, the token isn't persisted across sessions and Excel doesn't prompt for re-authentication.

     

    I am signed into Excel with my organizational account. I also tried a full Office sign-out/sign-in cycle (File >> Account >> Sign Out, closed all Office apps, reopened and signed back in). The issue returned the next day.

     

    Clearing credentials in Data Source Settings works but is only temporary, as you noted, so this is not going to be a long-lasting solution.

     

    I tested the traditional Analysis Services connection via Get Data >> From Database >> From Analysis Services (XMLA connector) and it works reliably across sessions. However, this only gives me a PivotTable/Power Pivot view. I need Power Query import mode so users can apply transformations, and that's the path where authentication fails.

     

    My organization manages updates on Monthly Enterprise Channel, so I can't switch channels myself. I am currently on version 2512 (Build 19530.20226)