Data Import & Export

Fix MySQL Not Appearing in Excel Microsoft Query Data Sources

Maira Mehtab Oct 8, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user installed the MySQL ODBC Connector, but MySQL is missing from the list of available data sources in Excel's Microsoft Query.

How to Fix MySQL Not Appearing in Excel Microsoft Query Data Sources

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to import MySQL database tables into an Excel spreadsheet using Microsoft Query.
Observed behavior: Despite installing the MySQL ODBC Connector, the MySQL data source option fails to populate or appear in the Microsoft Query Data Sources list.

Before you start

Verify whether your installed version of Microsoft Excel is 32-bit or 64-bit, and ensure you have administrative privileges on your computer to install and configure ODBC drivers.

Solution 1Recommended

Match the MySQL ODBC Driver Architecture with Excel

Excel will only recognize ODBC drivers that match its bit-architecture. Installing the matching 32-bit or 64-bit MySQL driver resolves most visibility issues.

A common mistake when connecting databases to Excel is installing a 64-bit ODBC driver on a system running a 32-bit version of Office. The architectures must match perfectly for Microsoft Query to detect the data source.

Check Excel architecture

Open Excel, navigate to File > Account, and click About Excel. Note whether the top line says 32-bit or 64-bit.

Download the correct driver

Go to the official MySQL downloads page and download the ODBC Connector that strictly matches your Excel architecture, regardless of your Windows OS architecture.

Install the driver

Run the downloaded installer, follow the setup wizard to complete the installation, and then restart your computer.

Match the MySQL ODBC Driver Architecture with Excel

Restart Required: Always restart Microsoft Excel after installing a new ODBC driver to ensure it properly scans for newly available data sources.

Solution 2

Configure a System or User DSN in ODBC Data Sources

Even with the correct driver installed, you must configure a Data Source Name (DSN) in Windows for Excel to establish the connection.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Need a Simpler Way to Manage Spreadsheets? Try WPS Office

If configuring database connectors in Microsoft Office feels overwhelming, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative for analyzing and managing your data efficiently.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the setup file and follow the straightforward on-screen instructions to install the suite.
3. Open your data files: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and easily open or import your existing data files to continue working effortlessly.

Free and lightweight office suite with a highly intuitive user interface.Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv).Robust built-in data processing and filtering tools without complex background configurations.Easy cross-platform setup for Windows, Mac, and Linux environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check if my Microsoft Excel is 32-bit or 64-bit?

Open Excel, navigate to File > Account, and select About Excel. The architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) will be displayed at the end of the top text line in the dialog box.

Why does my System DSN not appear in the Excel Data Sources list?

This mismatch typically occurs when you create a 64-bit DSN but are running a 32-bit version of Excel, or vice versa. Ensure you configure the DSN using the exact ODBC Data Source Administrator tool (32-bit or 64-bit) that matches your Excel application.

Is there another way to import MySQL data into Excel without Microsoft Query?

Yes, modern versions of Excel include the Power Query feature. Go to the Data tab, click Get Data, select From Database, and choose From MySQL Database. Note that this method requires the MySQL Connector/NET to be installed.

Excel & Data Problems