Forum Discussion
Excel Power Query / Analysis Services authentication fails after reopening workbook
Hello BIscoverer,
This is expected behavior with Excel + Power Query + Azure Analysis Services using Entra (Azure AD) SSO. Excel caches the token from the first refresh, but the token isn’t persisted across workbook sessions. When you reopen the workbook, the cached token is no longer valid, and Excel does not prompt for login, resulting in “Authentication failed.”
Workarounds:
Use the Azure Analysis Services connector instead of SQL Server Analysis Services for better SSO handling.
Make sure you are signed into Excel with your organizational account before refreshing.
Clear and re-enter credentials via Data Source Settings if a refresh fails (temporary fix).
Update to the latest Excel build, which has improved token handling.
For automated or frequent refreshes, use Power BI Service or Power Automate, which handle SSO tokens more reliably.
Microsoft documentation supporting this:
Connector authentication behavior: Authentication in desktop apps
Azure Analysis Services connector (Organizational account required): Azure Analysis Services database