Power Query Problems

Fix SQL Server Connector Missing in Excel Power Query for Mac

Adam Davis Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to connect to a SQL Server database using Power Query, but the connector option is not available.

Fix SQL Server Connector Missing in Excel Power Query for Mac

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Attempting to establish a connection to a SQL Server database via Power Query to import and transform data on a Mac.
Observed behavior: The SQL Server data source connector does not appear in the Power Query menu, despite having a supported Excel version and macOS release.

Before you start

Ensure that your Mac has an active internet connection and check your Microsoft 365 subscription tier, as specific Power Query connectors on macOS are rolled out gradually to specific channels.

Solution 1Recommended

Update Microsoft Excel to the Latest Build

Microsoft frequently adds new Power Query connectors for Mac in their latest feature updates. Installing the newest build can make the SQL Server connector appear.

Because Power Query on Mac is still receiving rolling updates, data connectors that are standard on Windows might only be introduced in the latest macOS builds.

Open Microsoft AutoUpdate

Launch Microsoft Excel on your Mac, click on 'Help' in the top menu bar, and select 'Check for Updates'.

Download and Install Updates

If an update is available, click 'Update' to install the latest version of Excel. Wait for the process to complete.

Verify Connector Availability

Restart Excel, navigate to the 'Data' tab, click 'Get Data (Power Query)', and check if the SQL Server connector is now listed.

Update Microsoft Excel to the Latest Build

Insider Channel: Some connectors are initially available only to Beta or Current Channel (Preview) users. You may need to opt into the Office Insider program via the AutoUpdate tool.

Solution 2

Check Connector Availability and Seek Community Support

If updating does not resolve the issue, the connector may not yet be supported for your specific platform limits. Consulting the official Microsoft Fabric Community is the recommended fallback.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Power Query for Excel different on Mac compared to Windows?

Power Query on Mac is built on a different underlying architecture. Microsoft has been gradually rebuilding and rolling out these features for macOS, meaning some data connectors natively available on Windows are still under development for Mac.

Can I connect to SQL Server on a Mac without using Power Query?

Yes, you can use built-in ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) drivers. You will need to install a compatible SQL Server ODBC driver for macOS, configure a Data Source Name (DSN) via an ODBC manager, and then use the 'From Database' option in Excel.

Will Microsoft add more Power Query connectors to Excel for Mac?

Yes, Microsoft is actively developing Power Query for Mac and regularly adds new connectors to the Data tab through regular Microsoft 365 updates.

Excel & Data Problems