Pivot Table Issues

Fix Excel Analysis Services Repeated Password Prompts in PivotTables

Elise Williams Sep 25, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where Excel constantly requests authentication when managing multiple PivotTables connected to an Analysis Services data cube.

How to Fix Excel Analysis Services Connection Repeatedly Requesting a Password

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating and analyzing data across multiple PivotTables that share a single Analysis Services connection.
Observed behavior: Excel repeatedly signs the user out and prompts for a password when multiple PivotTables utilize the same connection string.

Before you start

Verify that your Analysis Services login credentials are up to date and check if your organization has recently modified its multi-factor authentication (MFA) policies.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear Cached Office Credentials in Windows

Outdated or corrupted credentials stored in your system can cause constant authentication loops in Excel when querying external databases.

Often, Excel gets confused by expired security tokens stored in the Windows Credential Manager. Clearing these allows Excel to establish a fresh, stable connection to Analysis Services.

Open Credential Manager

Click the Windows Start button, type 'Credential Manager' in the search bar, and hit Enter to open the utility.

Locate Office Credentials

Select 'Windows Credentials' and scroll down to the 'Generic Credentials' section to find entries related to Microsoft Office or Analysis Services.

Remove Old Credentials

Click the dropdown arrow next to the relevant credential, click 'Remove', and confirm. Restart Excel and sign in again when your PivotTable prompts you.

Clear Cached Office Credentials in Windows

Tip: Make sure to check the 'Save Password' box upon your next successful login if your organization's security policy permits it.

Solution 2

Seek Specialized Help in Power BI Forums

For complex data cube authentication issues that persist, the dedicated Power BI community is the most qualified resource for advanced troubleshooting.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Data Analysis

If you are tired of complex authentication loops and heavy software overhead in Microsoft Excel, WPS Office offers a lightweight, highly compatible, and completely free alternative for handling your spreadsheets and PivotTables.

1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the Free Download button.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software.
3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx files directly to continue analyzing your data.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) file formats.Lightweight architecture that processes local data and PivotTables quickly without constant server authentication issues.Familiar ribbon interface ensuring a seamless migration from Microsoft Office.Completely free to download and use for your daily spreadsheet tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel keep asking for my Analysis Services password?

This frequently occurs due to conflicting cached credentials in Windows, expiring session tokens, or strict multi-factor authentication (MFA) policies triggered when multiple PivotTables attempt to query the database simultaneously.

Can I save the password in the connection string to stop the prompts?

You can check the 'Save Password' option in the Connection Properties dialogue in Excel. However, if your company's IT Group Policy overrides this for security reasons, the prompt will continue to appear.

What information should I provide when asking for forum support?

Always include your exact Excel version (e.g., Microsoft 365 Version 2308), the connection provider used, your authentication method (like Windows Auth or Entra ID), and your Analysis Services environment. Never share actual passwords or private tokens.

Excel & Data Problems