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Power Query Problems

How to Fix a Cut-Off Power Query Editor Window in Excel

Kushani NimanthikaKushani Nimanthika Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to fix a display issue where the Power Query Editor does not render fully, blocking access to the interface.

How to Fix a Cut-Off Power Query Editor Window in Excel
Product
Microsoft Excel
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Attempting to open the Power Query Editor to edit SQL code and manage data transformations.
Observed behavior
The Power Query Editor window opens partially or appears cut off, preventing the user from interacting with the full interface and viewing the underlying code.
Before you start

Ensure you have saved all open workbooks and completely closed Microsoft Excel before adjusting application properties or system display settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Run Excel in Windows Compatibility Mode

Adjusting the compatibility settings for the Excel application is the most effective way to resolve window scaling and cut-off UI issues.

Windows compatibility mode forces the application to use older rendering protocols, which can instantly fix DPI scaling and window cut-off problems specific to the Power Query Editor.

1
Locate the Excel executable

Find the Microsoft Excel shortcut on your desktop or search for 'excel.exe' in your Windows installation folder (typically located in C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office).

2
Open Properties

Right-click the Excel icon and select 'Properties' from the context menu to open the configuration window.

3
Enable Compatibility Mode

Navigate to the 'Compatibility' tab. Check the box next to 'Run this program in compatibility mode for:' and select an older version of Windows (such as Windows 8) from the dropdown list.

4
Apply and Restart

Click 'Apply' and then 'OK' to save your changes. Launch Excel and open the Power Query Editor to verify the window displays correctly.

Run Excel in Windows Compatibility Mode
Quick Fix: Many users report that simply running Excel in Windows 8 compatibility mode completely resolves the Power Query interface glitches.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Power Query Editor window cut off in Excel?

This display issue usually occurs due to DPI scaling mismatches in Windows, outdated graphics drivers, or rendering conflicts caused by hardware graphics acceleration in Excel.

Can I adjust the UI scaling within the Power Query Editor itself?

No, the Power Query Editor relies entirely on Excel and Windows display settings. You must adjust Windows display scaling, update drivers, or use Excel's compatibility mode to fix rendering problems.

Will resetting Power Query settings delete my existing queries?

No. Clearing the global data load and cache settings in Power Query Options does not delete your existing queries in the workbook. However, it will clear your cached data previews and saved credentials.