'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Fix Power Query Data Source Preview Stuck on Loading in Excel
Question details
The user is experiencing an issue where the Data Sources preview in the Queries and Connections pane is endlessly loading, despite the actual queries running successfully.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to preview data sources in Excel's Queries and Connections pane across multiple source types like SharePoint, databases, and local files.
- Observed behavior
- The preview pane remains stuck on 'Loading' for all workbooks and data sources, even after uninstalling and reinstalling Microsoft applications.
Before troubleshooting, ensure your internet connection is stable and check if any firewalls or antivirus software might be temporarily blocking Excel from accessing external data sources.
Test with a Simple Local Query and Contact Microsoft Support
Isolate the issue to determine if it is a global application bug or specific to complex data connections, then request official support.
Since reinstalling the application does not resolve this issue and it affects all data types, the problem often lies within the Microsoft tenant environment or a specific Office build bug. Isolating the issue with a basic query helps support agents resolve the ticket much faster.
Open Excel and create a completely new, blank workbook to ensure no legacy data is causing the hang.
Go to the Data tab, click 'Get Data', and create a basic query pulling data from a simple local text file or a manual table.
Open the Queries and Connections pane to see if the preview still hangs on 'Loading'.
If the simple query also fails, contact your Microsoft 365 Administrator. Ask them to navigate to the Microsoft 365 admin center > Support > New service request to open a specialized ticket.
Clear Power Query Cache
Clearing the local data load cache can sometimes resolve interface freezing and loading issues in the Power Query editor.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Data Management
If Microsoft Excel's Power Query issues and environmental bugs are slowing down your productivity, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible spreadsheet application that handles data efficiently without complex tenant configurations.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer.
- 2. Install the application: Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- 3. Open your spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing Excel files directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Excel Power Query preview stuck on loading?
This can happen due to a corrupted data cache, network issues blocking SharePoint or database connections, or a specific backend bug within your current Microsoft 365 environment or Excel build.
Does reinstalling Excel fix the Power Query preview issue?
In many cases, as reported by users, reinstalling the Microsoft Office suite does not resolve the 'Loading' preview bug if the issue is tied to the tenant environment or a global application glitch.
How do I access the Microsoft 365 Admin Center for support?
You must have administrative permissions. Go to admin.microsoft.com, log in with your admin credentials, and navigate to Support > New service request to contact Microsoft directly.
Can queries still run even if the preview is stuck?
Yes, users often find that the actual Power Query queries execute and load data into tables successfully, even when the Queries and Connections preview pane is frozen.
