Power Query Problems

Fix Excel Power Query Cannot Connect to SharePoint Credentials

Elise Williams Oct 9, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user is unable to refresh Power Query data connected to a SharePoint team site due to persistent credential errors.

How to Fix Excel Cannot Connect to SharePoint with Provided Credentials

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Refreshing a data query linked to a SharePoint site within Excel Power Query.
Observed behavior: Excel displays an error stating it cannot connect with the supplied credentials, even though the user has verified their account permissions.

Before you start

Verify that your Microsoft 365 account password hasn't recently expired and that you have active permissions to view the target SharePoint team site.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear and Reset SharePoint Data Source Permissions

Clear your cached credentials in Power Query and re-authenticate using your Organizational Account to restore the connection.

Excel stores authentication details to speed up data refreshes. If your password changes or a login token expires, Power Query will fail to connect until the outdated stored permissions are cleared.

Open Data Source Settings

In Excel, navigate to the 'Data' tab on the ribbon, click on 'Get Data', and select 'Data Source Settings'.

Locate the SharePoint Source

In the Global permissions or Current Workbook tab, find and select the URL for your SharePoint site.

Clear Outdated Permissions

Click the 'Clear Permissions' button to remove the cached credentials, then confirm the deletion.

Re-authenticate the Connection

Close the settings, refresh your query, and when prompted, select 'Organizational account' and click 'Sign in' to enter your current credentials.

Authentication Tip: Always choose 'Organizational Account' rather than 'Windows' or 'Anonymous' when connecting to cloud-based SharePoint Online sites.

Solution 2

Update the Data Source URL

Check if the SharePoint site URL has been updated or moved, and adjust the connection source accordingly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Power Query keep asking for SharePoint credentials?

This usually happens when your cached login token has expired or your password has changed. Clearing the global permissions in Data Source Settings forces Excel to fetch a fresh, valid authentication token.

What is the difference between Windows and Organizational account authentication?

Windows authentication uses your local network domain credentials, whereas an Organizational account connects securely to Microsoft 365 cloud services like SharePoint Online via modern authentication protocols.

Can I connect to a SharePoint team site using Anonymous access?

No. SharePoint team sites are secure and require explicit permissions. Choosing Anonymous access will result in immediate connection failures and credential errors.

Excel & Data Problems