Fix Power Query Invalid User ID or Password Error in Excel 365
Question details
The user needs to resolve a Power Query credential error in Excel 365 that reports an invalid user ID or password when importing data, despite unchanged workbook, data source, and Excel settings.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel 365 Power Query
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- The user is importing data through Power Query from an existing workbook and data source without changing any settings.
- Observed behavior
- Excel 365 repeatedly reports an invalid user ID or password, and the error persists even after signing in as a different user.
Before changing credentials, confirm that the data source is reachable, note the current data source path, and make sure you can sign in to the data source outside Excel.
Edit the Power Query Data Source Credentials in Excel 365
Use this first when Power Query shows an invalid user ID or password for an existing data source but the connection settings have not changed.
Stored credentials may become stale or corrupted even when the workbook or source settings appear unchanged. Re-entering them refreshes the authentication token that Power Query uses for the connection.
In Excel 365, go to Data > Get Data > Data Source Settings.
Select the connection that returns the error and choose Edit Permissions.
Open the Credentials tab, then select Edit or Sign in as different user and re-enter the correct user ID and password.
Save the credential changes, return to the query, and select Refresh to test the data import.
Clear and Re-create the Power Query Credentials in a New Workbook
Use this if re-entering credentials in the existing workbook does not stop the error, or if the sign-in prompt keeps reappearing.
Use WPS Office as a Free Alternative for Data Import When Excel Power Query Errors Persist
If the Excel 365 Power Query credential error keeps blocking data imports, WPS Office is a free, lightweight Microsoft Office alternative with familiar spreadsheet tools, built-in data import options for everyday reporting, and strong .xlsx compatibility for a smooth switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Power Query keep saying invalid user ID or password even though I did not change anything?
Excel stores separate data source credentials, and these can expire or become corrupted. Open Data > Get Data > Data Source Settings, select the source, and re-enter the credentials under Edit Permissions.
How do I clear cached Power Query credentials in Excel 365?
Go to Data > Get Data > Data Source Settings, select the affected source, and choose Clear Permissions. You can also open Edit Permissions and change the credentials on the Credentials tab.
Will recreating the connection in a new workbook fix the invalid user ID or password error?
It often helps. Open a blank workbook, use Data > Get Data to connect to the same source, and sign in with fresh credentials. If the new workbook works, the original workbook may have a corrupted query or credential cache.
Does WPS Office have Power Query?
WPS Office does not include the full Microsoft Power Query add-in, but WPS Spreadsheets opens Excel workbooks and supports data import and connection features for common data sources.
What should I check if the Power Query error continues after resetting credentials?
Verify the data source path and permissions, update Microsoft 365 and Windows, test in a new Windows user profile, and if possible test the same connection on another device.
