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Fix Missing Add Table Using Examples in Power BI & Excel
Question details
The user is unable to locate the 'Add Table Using Examples' feature and the expected table list when trying to import web data.
- Product
- Power BI and Excel Power Query
- Device & OS
- Windows 11
- Scenario
- Importing or extracting data from web sources into Power BI or Excel using the Power Query editor.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Add Table Using Examples' option is missing from the interface, and a limited or incorrect table list is displayed.
Ensure your Microsoft 365 Enterprise and Power BI Desktop installations are fully updated, as newer extraction features are frequently rolled out in specific patches or preview channels.
Enable Preview Features and Update Your Application
This solution ensures you have the latest build and have enabled any experimental features that might house the missing tool.
Microsoft frequently moves newer or experimental web extraction features into the Preview section before general release. Enabling these options can restore the missing functionality.
Open your Microsoft 365 account settings or the Microsoft Store to check for and install the latest updates for both Excel and Power BI Desktop.
In Power BI Desktop, navigate to File > Options and settings > Options. In Excel, check your Microsoft 365 Insider channel settings via File > Account.
Look for the 'Preview features' tab in the Global settings menu. Check the box for 'Web table inference' or any data import-related preview features, then click OK.
Close and reopen Power BI or Excel to apply the changes, then try the web import process again to see if the option appears.
Seek Product-Specific Assistance in Microsoft Communities
Since this involves advanced Power Query backend behaviors on specific Windows 11 builds, escalating to Microsoft engineers is recommended.
Experience Fast and Lightweight Data Analysis with WPS Office
While specialized Power Query web extraction issues require Microsoft support, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative for your daily spreadsheet processing and data analysis tasks. Enjoy a familiar interface without heavy enterprise licensing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'Add Table Using Examples' suddenly missing from Power Query?
This can happen if you are on an enterprise channel that defers updates, if a preview feature was disabled, or if a recent Microsoft update temporarily removed or relocated the functionality.
Does this issue affect both Power BI and Excel?
Yes. Since both Power BI and Microsoft Excel utilize the same underlying Power Query engine for data imports, bugs or missing features in web data extraction often appear in both applications simultaneously.
Can I extract data from websites without this feature?
Yes. You can still use standard web scraping methods in Power Query by connecting to the URL and manually transforming the HTML tables, though it requires more advanced M code knowledge than the 'By Example' feature.
