Fix Excel Power Query Not Using Saved ODBC DSN Credentials
Question details
The user needs to stop Excel Power Query from repeatedly prompting for credentials when connecting to a database via an ODBC System DSN that already has saved credentials.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to connect to a database (such as DB2) using Power Query with an ODBC System DSN.
- Observed behavior
- Excel Power Query ignores the credentials saved in the ODBC DSN, which work fine in other applications, and repeatedly requests the user to enter them.
Verify that your ODBC System DSN is configured correctly in the Windows ODBC Data Source Administrator and that the credentials are valid by testing the connection outside of Excel.
Contact Microsoft 365 Support for Escalation
Since this is a known behavior where Power Query fails to pass through saved DSN credentials, opening a service request with Microsoft Support is the official resolution path.
Power Query sometimes handles authentication independently for security reasons, which can cause it to ignore system-level ODBC DSN passwords. As this requires deep investigation into tenant or application-specific behavior, Microsoft Support is equipped to assist.
Log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center using your administrator credentials.
Click on 'Support' in the left-hand navigation menu, then select 'New service request'.
Describe your issue in detail. Be sure to mention that the DB2 ODBC System DSN contains saved credentials that successfully work in Access and Crystal Reports, but fail exclusively in Power Query.
Clear Power Query Global Permissions
Sometimes cached credentials conflict with the DSN settings. Clearing them forces Power Query to prompt for a fresh connection where you can save the credentials directly in Excel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Power Query ignore my ODBC DSN credentials?
Power Query handles authentication independently for security and privacy reasons. It often requires credentials to be entered directly into its Data Source Settings, overriding the system-level ODBC DSN saved passwords.
Can I use a connection string instead of a DSN in Power Query?
Yes, you can bypass the DSN entirely by using a direct ODBC connection string. Go to Get Data > From Other Sources > From ODBC, and enter your driver and connection string details manually without relying on a pre-configured DSN.
How do I check if my ODBC DSN is set up correctly in Windows?
Open the 'ODBC Data Source Administrator' tool on your Windows PC, navigate to the System DSN tab, select your connection, and click 'Configure' to test the connection using your saved credentials.
