Why does Power Query for Excel need to create a folder query by selecting a folder?

[Power-muke]

Hi All,

Why does Excel's Power Query create a folder query by selecting a folder instead of inputting the folder path as before? Which version introduced this change? My Excel version is 2019.

Now it's like this：

I hope so：

I hope that there is a teacher who can guide me on how to solve it or explain the reason.

[Anonymous]

Hi @Power-muke ,

Excel’s Power Query now creates a folder query by selecting a folder to streamline the process of importing and combining files from a folder. This change simplifies the user experience by allowing you to browse and select the folder directly, rather than manually inputting the folder path.

This feature was introduced in Excel 2016 and has been available in subsequent versions, including Excel 2019
You can check out the following documentation
Import data from a folder with multiple files (Power Query) - Microsoft Support

Best regards,
Albert He

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[Power-muke]

Thanks for your reply, @Anonymous .
I understand, but I need to query through a shared folder connection, so I need to fill it out in this format, such as: \\IP address\folder\file
My Excel version has always been 2019. I could fill it out directly before, but now I can only select a local folder. I know I can modify it in Power Query, but it's too troublesome. I wonder if there is an option that can be modified to query by filling in the address?

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Hi @Power-muke ,
According to your description, you want to connect by entering the url address without opening power query, you can enter the url you want to change in Get Data->Data Source Setting ->Change data source

Best regards,
Albert He

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly

[Power-muke]

This answer solved my problem, thanks for your help！