Data Import & Export

How to Fix Excel Microsoft Query Stuck on Waiting for Data

Tauseeq Magsi Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users encounter a freezing issue with a blue cursor and a 'waiting for data to be returned' message when trying to import data via Microsoft Query in Excel.

How to Fix Excel Microsoft Query Stuck on Waiting for Data

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Importing external data using Data > Legacy Wizards > From Microsoft Query.
Observed behavior: Excel displays a continuous blue loading cursor and gets stuck on the 'Microsoft Query is waiting for data to be returned' prompt without loading the dataset.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable network connection to your external database and verify that your ODBC drivers are properly installed before proceeding.

Solution 1

Recreate the Microsoft Query Connection

Rebuilding the query can resolve temporary file corruption or misconfigured connection strings that prevent data retrieval.

Legacy queries can sometimes become corrupted during updates or database migrations. Recreating the query from scratch is the quickest way to verify if the issue isolated to a specific query file.

Open Data Options

Open your Excel workbook and navigate to the Data tab on the top ribbon.

Access Legacy Wizards

Select 'Get Data', hover over 'Legacy Wizards', and click 'From Microsoft Query' to start a new connection.

Rebuild the Query

Re-select your data source, input the required authentication credentials, and rebuild your query to see if the data loads successfully.

Solution 2Recommended

Open a Service Request via Microsoft 365 Admin Center

If recreating the query fails and the issue appears device-specific, escalate the problem to your IT department or Microsoft Support.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Data Management

If Microsoft Excel continues to freeze during complex data operations or legacy wizard tasks, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for handling spreadsheets without heavy resource usage.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the Free Download button.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the suite.
3. Open and Edit: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and instantly open your existing Excel workbooks to resume your data analysis without lag.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Excel formats including .xlsx, .xls, and .csvLightweight architecture that minimizes freezing and lagging during large data operationsFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interface for seamless migrationRobust built-in tools for data analysis, filtering, and cross-platform syncing

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Microsoft Query stuck on 'waiting for data'?

This freezing issue is often caused by network timeouts, outdated ODBC drivers, corrupted query files, or specific device configuration conflicts that prevent Excel from communicating with the external database.

How do I enable Legacy Wizards in Excel?

If you cannot find the Legacy Wizards in the ribbon, go to File > Options > Data. Under the 'Show legacy data import wizards' section, check the boxes for the wizards you want to use, such as 'From Microsoft Query', and click OK.

Is there a modern alternative to Microsoft Query in Excel?

Yes. It is highly recommended to use Power Query (accessed via Data > Get Data) as the modern, more robust alternative to legacy wizards for importing and transforming external data efficiently.

Excel & Data Problems