Excel for Mac Cannot Import Data from a Table with Power Query
Question details
Excel for Microsoft 365 on Mac does not provide an option to retrieve data from a cell range or Excel table through Power Query, even when other Get Data options are available.
- Product
- Excel for Microsoft 365 on Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- The user wants to use Power Query to import data from a cell range or Excel table in Excel for Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The Power Query From Table/Range option is missing, while other Get Data options remain visible.
Before troubleshooting, confirm the Excel for Mac version and update channel from Help > About Microsoft Excel, and make sure the workbook is saved in the .xlsx format. Power Query support varies significantly by build and does not match Excel for Windows feature-for-feature.
Update Excel for Mac to the latest Microsoft 365 build
Use this first because Power Query capabilities in Excel for Mac are delivered through Microsoft 365 updates, and a newer build may restore or enable the expected data import options.
Power Query support in Excel for Mac is more limited than in Excel for Windows. Options such as From Table/Range may be unavailable in older builds even when other Get Data menu items are visible.
Launch Excel for Microsoft 365 on Mac, then select the Help menu in the top menu bar.
Click Check for Updates, then follow the Microsoft AutoUpdate prompt to install the latest Excel and Office updates.
After updating, restart Excel, open the workbook, select the Data tab, and check whether Get Data (Power Query) now shows From Table/Range for the selected range or table.
Refresh existing Power Query queries on Excel for Mac
Use this when the workbook already contains queries created in Excel for Windows, because Excel for Mac can often refresh them even when it cannot create or edit the query from a table.
Create or edit Power Query queries on Excel for Mac with VBA
Use this advanced approach when the Data tab options are missing but the workbook must be modified on Mac.
Use WPS Office as a Free Office Alternative When Excel for Mac Power Query Is Limited
If Excel for Mac does not support the Power Query table import you need, WPS Office is a free, lightweight Microsoft Office alternative. It opens and saves .xlsx workbooks, keeps a familiar ribbon-style interface, and handles everyday spreadsheet tasks without requiring the same Power Query setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there no From Table/Range option in Power Query on Excel for Mac?
Power Query support in Excel for Mac is more limited than in Excel for Windows. Some builds only allow refreshing existing queries, so the From Table/Range option may not appear even when other Get Data options are available. Update Excel and check your Microsoft 365 build details.
Can Excel for Mac refresh existing Power Query queries?
In many versions, yes. Open the workbook, go to the Data tab, open Queries & Connections, right-click or Control-click the query, and choose Refresh. Availability depends on the Excel version and the data source.
Can I create a Power Query from an Excel table using VBA on Mac?
It is possible in some Excel for Mac builds through the Visual Basic Editor using workbook query objects. Open Tools > Macro > Visual Basic Editor, insert a module, and run VBA that creates or modifies the query. Availability varies, and macro permissions may be required.
Will updating Excel for Mac give me full Power Query like Excel for Windows?
Not necessarily. Updating may enable more Power Query options, but Excel for Mac still does not expose the complete Windows Power Query feature set in every build and update channel.
Is there a free alternative for everyday spreadsheet work if Excel for Mac Power Query is missing?
Yes. WPS Office is a free, lightweight Office alternative that opens .xlsx files, provides a familiar ribbon-style spreadsheet interface, and handles common data import and reporting tasks without requiring the same Power Query setup.
