Power Query Problems

Fix Excel Power Query SharePoint Folder Data Validation Error

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to load a data-validation table from a SharePoint folder into Excel using Power Query.

Product: Microsoft Excel, SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Importing a data-validation table via Data > Get Data > From SharePoint Folder.
Observed behavior: Excel Power Query triggers a data validation error and fails to load the table from the specified SharePoint folder.

Before you start

Verify that your internet connection is stable and that you have the correct viewing or editing permissions for the target SharePoint folder.

Solution 1Recommended

Clear and Re-enter SharePoint Credentials

Use this solution to clear outdated or corrupted authentication tokens, which is the most common cause of SharePoint connection errors in Power Query.

Power Query heavily relies on cached credentials to connect to external data sources. If your organizational password has changed or the token expired, Power Query will fail to authenticate with SharePoint, resulting in data validation or loading errors.

Open Data Source Settings

Launch Excel, go to the Data tab on the ribbon, click on Get Data, and then select Data Source Settings from the dropdown.

Clear Existing Permissions

In the Global Permissions tab, locate your SharePoint folder URL. Click on it to select it, then click the Clear Permissions button at the bottom.

Reconnect to the SharePoint Folder

Close the settings window and navigate back to Data > Get Data > From File > From SharePoint Folder. Enter the folder URL and ensure you select 'Organizational Account' when prompted to sign in.

Authentication Tip: Always choose 'Organizational Account' rather than 'Windows' or 'Anonymous' when connecting to Microsoft 365 SharePoint sites.

Solution 2

Isolate the SharePoint Folder and Table

Check if the error is specific to a single folder, a specific workbook, or a systemic connector issue.

Solution 3

Update Excel and Gather Diagnostic Info

Ensure your Excel version is up to date, and gather specific error details if escalation to IT is required.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Power Query fail to connect to my SharePoint folder?

Connection failures are most often caused by expired credentials, insufficient folder permissions, or using an incorrect URL format. Clearing your data source settings and logging in again usually resolves this.

How do I clear cached credentials in Excel Power Query?

Navigate to Data > Get Data > Data Source Settings. Select the Global Permissions tab, find your SharePoint URL in the list, and click the Clear Permissions button.

Can I connect to a specific SharePoint file instead of the whole folder?

Yes. Instead of selecting 'From SharePoint Folder', you can use Data > Get Data > From Web, and paste the direct path to the specific Excel file hosted on SharePoint.

What should I do if only one specific user gets this Power Query error?

If the issue is isolated to a single user, it is likely a local credential issue or a lack of specific SharePoint access rights for that user's account. Have them verify their site permissions with the IT admin.

Excel & Data Problems