Power Query Problems

How to Find the File Path for an Online Excel Workbook on Mac

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to find the correct file path to connect an online Excel workbook (stored in OneDrive or SharePoint) to Power Query, bypassing the local path prompt.

Product: Excel for the web / Excel for Mac
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Connecting an online workbook to Power Query using Excel on a Mac.
Observed behavior: Excel for the web on Mac incorrectly requests a local file path for Power Query connections, even though the source workbook is stored online.

Before you start

Ensure you have full access to the OneDrive or SharePoint directory where your workbook is stored, and log into your Microsoft account on your web browser.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Web or SharePoint Connectors Instead of Local Paths

Retrieve the direct URL from your cloud storage and use the appropriate web connector to avoid local path limitations.

When working on a Mac, the default file connector may attempt to route through your local directory. To resolve this, you must extract the direct cloud URL of the file and use the 'From Web' or 'SharePoint Folder' connector in Power Query.

Locate the file online

Open your web browser and navigate to the OneDrive or SharePoint folder where your Excel workbook is saved.

Copy the direct file path

Select the Excel file, open the details pane (usually indicated by an 'i' icon), and copy the direct file path or URL provided in the properties.

Open Power Query connection options

Launch the desktop Excel application on your Mac, navigate to the Data tab, and select 'Get Data'.

Select the Web connector

Choose the 'From Web' or 'From SharePoint Folder' option rather than selecting a local file connector.

Paste the URL

Paste the copied URL into the address field and authenticate your credentials to establish the connection to your online workbook.

Use Desktop Excel: Power Query in the desktop application generally provides more connection options and better stability than Excel for the web.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Seamless Spreadsheet Experience

If you frequently encounter path limitations and complex connection issues with Excel on Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for managing your spreadsheets and data without the hassle of confusing web-to-local path configurations.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the installation package for Mac.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
3. Open your spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and directly open your existing .xlsx files to continue working seamlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls, .csv) formats.Free and lightweight alternative to Microsoft Office.Familiar user interface that requires no learning curve.Seamless cloud integration across Mac, Windows, and mobile devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel on Mac ask for a local path for a OneDrive file?

Excel on Mac sometimes defaults to local file directories if the specific cloud connector isn't explicitly selected, or if you are using a limited version of Power Query that doesn't fully support seamless cloud handoffs.

Can I use all Power Query features in Excel for the web?

No, Power Query features in Excel for the web are currently limited compared to the desktop application. For advanced data connections, it is always recommended to use the desktop version.

How do I get the direct URL for an Excel file in SharePoint?

Navigate to the file in SharePoint, select it, click on the 'Details' pane icon on the right side of the screen, and copy the link listed under the 'Path' section. Be sure to remove any '?web=1' parameters at the end of the URL before pasting it into Power Query.

Excel & Data Problems