Forum Discussion
Power Query Get Data Problem
When I first retrieve data from the Fabric data warehouse in Power Query, the data loads successfully. However, when I later try to load the data as a connection only, I can't retrieve the data a sec...
That sounds really frustrating malissonnur ! Power Query should make things easier, not harder. The issue you’re running into is actually a common problem in Excel.
Excel doesn’t always refresh Connection Only queries properly unless another query is actively using that data. Basically, if nothing is loading into the workbook or the data model, Excel sometimes just skips the refresh.
Here’s a simple workaround that usually solves the problem:
1️⃣ Create a Small Helper Query
- In Power Query, make a new query that references your original connection-only query.
- Instead of setting it to Connection Only, load it into a small table somewhere in your workbook (even if you don’t actually need to use it).
- Do not hide that sheet where the data is loaded, please 😊
2️⃣ Refresh Everything
- Go to Data > Refresh All in Excel.
- This forces Power Query to refresh the Connection Only query first, then the helper query.
- Since the connection is being used, Excel won’t ignore it anymore.
Excel prioritizes refreshing queries that load data into the workbook or data model. By adding a small dependent query, you trick it into keeping your data connection active.
Give that a shot and let me know if it helps! 😊
