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Fix Excel for Mac Not Showing Get Data From Folder
Question details
The user is unable to locate the Power Query 'Get Data From Folder' command in Excel for Mac, specifically while using the Home and Student 2021 edition.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Attempting to import multiple files or data sets from a local directory using Power Query on a Mac computer.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Get Data From Folder' option is completely missing from the Excel menu ribbon under data import tools.
Verify your exact Excel version and license type (Home & Student vs. Microsoft 365) by opening Excel and clicking 'About Microsoft Excel' from the top Apple menu bar.
Upgrade to Microsoft 365 and Update Excel for Mac
The 'Get Data From Folder' feature requires an active Microsoft 365 subscription and Excel for Mac version 16.57 or later.
Power Query local folder imports are not supported in stand-alone, perpetual licenses like Excel Home and Student 2021 for Mac. To access this feature natively, you must have an active Microsoft 365 subscription and run a supported version.
Open Excel, click on the 'Excel' menu next to the Apple logo, and select 'About Microsoft Excel' to see your current license type.
If you are using Home and Student, purchase and activate a Microsoft 365 subscription through Microsoft's official website.
Go to 'Help' > 'Check for Updates' in the Mac menu bar to download and install Excel version 16.57 or later.
Use Excel for Windows via a Virtual Machine
If upgrading your Mac license is not an option, you can use the Windows version of Excel on your Mac via virtualization software to access full Power Query features.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Spreadsheet Experience
If you find Microsoft Office licensing restrictions and missing features across different operating systems frustrating, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to manage your spreadsheets and data without complex subscription tiers.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version.
- 2. Install and Launch: Install the application and open WPS Spreadsheets.
- 3. Open Your Data Files: Easily open, view, and edit your existing Excel files directly without format conversion issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Power Query in Excel Home and Student 2021 for Mac?
No, importing data from local folders via Power Query is not supported in perpetual license versions like Home and Student 2021 for Mac. It strictly requires a Microsoft 365 subscription.
Which version of Excel for Mac supports 'Get Data from Folder'?
You need Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac, running version 16.57 or later, to access the 'Get Data From Folder' feature for local files.
Are all Power Query features available on Mac now?
While Microsoft has significantly improved Power Query for Mac over recent years, it still does not have absolute feature parity with the Windows version. However, essential local file imports are supported on updated Microsoft 365 editions.
