How to Fix Power Query Combining Data Sources Error on Excel for Mac
Question details
The user needs to resolve a privacy-level error that prevents combining data from multiple sources in Power Query on Excel for Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Combining data from multiple tables or external sources using the Power Query Editor on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- Excel displays a privacy-level error and blocks the query from successfully merging or appending the data sets.
Ensure your Microsoft Excel for Mac is updated to the latest version, as Power Query features and privacy settings on macOS receive frequent updates that may resolve underlying compatibility issues.
Enable Combining Data from Multiple Sources in Project Options
Use this method to explicitly allow the Mac Power Query Editor to merge data across different sources, bypassing the default strict privacy restrictions.
By default, Power Query enforces strict privacy levels to prevent accidental data leakage between independent sources. Modifying the project options allows these sources to communicate.
Launch Excel for Mac, go to the 'Data' tab, and open the Power Query Editor for your workbook.
In the Power Query Editor ribbon, select the 'Home' tab, click on 'Options', and then choose 'Project Options'.
Locate and check the box that says 'Allow combining data from multiple sources', then save your changes and refresh your query.
Create a Connection-Only Query for Source Tables
If modifying privacy settings does not work, creating a connection-only query prevents Excel from directly evaluating workbook contents in a way that triggers the privacy conflict.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Spreadsheet Experience on Mac
If you frequently encounter limitations, missing features, or privacy-level errors with advanced data tools like Power Query on your Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and user-friendly alternative for managing your spreadsheets and performing daily data analysis without heavy resource demands.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the installation package designed for macOS.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Open the downloaded file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the application on your Mac.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing .xlsx files to seamlessly continue your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get a privacy-level error in Power Query on Mac?
This error occurs because Excel's default security settings restrict queries from exchanging data between different external or internal sources. This mechanism is designed to prevent accidental sensitive data leakage.
Is Power Pivot supported on Excel for Mac?
No, Power Pivot and the full Excel Data Model are not natively supported on Excel for Mac. Users looking for these specific features often rely on standard PivotTables or run Excel for Windows via Boot Camp or Parallels.
What is a connection-only query?
A connection-only query extracts and transforms data in the background without loading it into a physical Excel worksheet. It acts as an intermediate data source that other queries can reference, which often helps bypass workbook-level privacy errors.
Does WPS Office support Power Query?
WPS Office offers robust data sorting, filtering, and consolidation tools tailored for fast and reliable spreadsheet functionality. While it does not feature an exact replica of Microsoft's Power Query Editor, it excellently handles standard data workflows and is fully compatible with .xlsx files.
