Fix Missing Power Query From Workbook Option in Excel for Mac
Question details
The user is unable to find the From Workbook or From Excel option under the Data > Get Data menu in Excel for Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Trying to import data from an existing Excel workbook using Power Query on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The From Workbook option is completely missing or unavailable in the Get Data menu despite having a Microsoft 365 Home subscription.
Ensure you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription and a stable internet connection before attempting to change update channels.
Join the Beta Channel and Update Excel
Because Power Query features for Excel for Mac are being released gradually, joining the Beta Channel gives you early access to the 'From Workbook' option.
Microsoft is actively porting Power Query functionalities from Windows to Mac. This means features are rolled out in stages to Microsoft 365 users.
By switching your update channel from Current to Beta, you can download the latest preliminary versions of Excel (like 16.51 or newer) where these connectors are enabled.
Launch Excel for Mac, click on the 'Help' menu at the top of your screen, and select 'Check for Updates' to open the Microsoft AutoUpdate tool.
In the Microsoft AutoUpdate window, click on 'Advanced', locate the Update Channel dropdown menu, and change the selection to 'Beta Channel'.
Return to the main AutoUpdate screen, click to check for available updates, and install version 16.50 or newer (version 16.51+ is highly recommended).
Restart Excel, navigate to the 'Data' tab on the ribbon, and click 'Get Data (Power Query)' to view the newly available data import options.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Spreadsheet Management
If you are dealing with missing features and staggered updates in Microsoft Excel for Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that makes spreadsheet handling fast and easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some Power Query features missing on Excel for Mac?
Microsoft originally built Power Query exclusively for Windows. Features like the 'From Workbook' connector are being ported to Mac gradually and are rolled out to Microsoft 365 subscribers in stages rather than all at once.
Do I need a specific Excel version to use Power Query on Mac?
Yes, you generally need Excel version 16.50 or later. For certain advanced connectors like 'From Workbook', version 16.51 or higher obtained via the Beta Channel might be required.
Can I use full Power Query features on Mac with a standalone Office 2021 license?
Most advanced Power Query authoring and data import features on Mac require an active Microsoft 365 subscription. Standalone perpetual versions typically only support basic background data refresh capabilities.
