Fix Excel Web Query Error After Microsoft 365 Update
Question details
Users are encountering an unexpected assembly error when attempting to run web queries in Excel following a recent Microsoft 365 update.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Importing data from a website using the built-in web query feature in Excel.
- Observed behavior
- Excel throws an 'Unexpected Error' stating it cannot load the Microsoft.mshtml assembly or its dependencies, preventing the web data from importing.
Before rolling back your Office installation, make sure to save all active workbooks and verify your Microsoft account credentials in case you need to sign in again.
Clear Global Data Source Permissions
Resetting the global permissions for your data sources can resolve cached authentication or connectivity glitches causing query errors.
Sometimes Excel retains outdated or corrupted permission settings for specific web URLs. Clearing these forces Excel to establish a fresh connection to the data source.
In Excel, navigate to the Data tab on the ribbon, click on Get Data, and select Data Source Settings.
In the Data Source Settings dialog box, click on the Global permissions toggle at the top.
Locate and select the affected URL from the list, then click the Clear Permissions button. Alternatively, click the drop-down arrow next to it and select Clear All Permissions to reset all sites.
Revert Microsoft 365 to a Previous Version
Since this error is a known bug introduced in Version 2303, rolling back Microsoft 365 to a stable build (like Version 2302) is the most effective workaround until Microsoft patches the issue.
Avoid Disruptive Update Bugs with WPS Office
If Microsoft 365 update bugs are disrupting your critical data workflows, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a stable, highly compatible, and lightweight spreadsheet environment without forcing unexpected background updates that break functionality.
- 1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office installer from the official website and run the setup on your Windows PC.
- 2. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and directly open your existing .xlsx files without worrying about compatibility loss.
- 3. Continue Working Uninterrupted: Manage your data, formulas, and formatting in a highly stable application environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel show a Microsoft.mshtml assembly error when importing data?
This error is typically caused by a corrupted update or missing dependency within a new Microsoft 365 release (such as Version 2303), which prevents Excel's web query engine from successfully loading required background components.
Will I lose my saved data if I revert to an older version of Excel?
No. Reverting to a previous build of Microsoft 365 only replaces the application installation files. All of your personal documents, saved spreadsheets, and data will remain completely unaffected.
How do I stop Excel from automatically updating to the buggy version again?
Before or immediately after downgrading, open Excel, navigate to File > Account, click on the Update Options button, and select 'Disable Updates'. You can re-enable this setting once Microsoft officially releases a patched version.
