Power Query Problems

How to Fix SharePoint Folder Connection Errors in Power Query

Adam Davis Oct 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to connect Power Query to a SharePoint data folder because the OK button remains disabled after entering the site URL.

How to Fix SharePoint Folder Connection Errors in Power Query

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to import data from a SharePoint folder into Excel using Power Query.
Observed behavior: The OK button stays grayed out or disabled after entering the SharePoint site URL, preventing the user from completing the connection.

Before you start

Ensure you are connected to the internet, have an active session with your Microsoft 365 account, and have the correct SharePoint root site URL ready.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify SharePoint URL Format and Reconnect

Check your SharePoint URL accuracy and ensure your account has the correct permissions to establish the Power Query connection.

The most common reason for the 'OK' button being disabled in Power Query is entering an invalid URL format. Power Query requires the root site URL rather than the direct path to a specific document library or folder.

Verify Site Permissions

Open your web browser, navigate to the SharePoint site URL, and confirm that your account has permission to view the site and its document contents.

Open Get Data in Excel

Launch Microsoft Excel, navigate to the 'Data' tab on the ribbon, click 'Get Data', select 'From Other Sources', and choose 'From SharePoint Folder'.

Enter the Root URL

In the dialog box, enter the base SharePoint site URL (e.g., https://yourdomain.sharepoint.com/sites/yoursite). Do not include the path to the specific shared documents folder. The 'OK' button will now become enabled.

Select Your Target Folder

Click 'OK'. If prompted, sign in with your organizational or Microsoft account. Once the Navigator window opens, locate and select your specific data folder to load or transform the data.

Verify SharePoint URL Format and Reconnect

URL Verification Complete: By using the root site URL and authenticating properly, Power Query maps the directory structure, allowing you to filter down to the specific folder you need.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the OK button disabled when I enter my SharePoint URL?

The OK button typically remains disabled if the URL format is incorrect. Power Query expects the root site URL (e.g., https://domain.sharepoint.com/sites/sitename) rather than a direct link to a specific folder or document library. Once a valid root URL is detected, the button will activate.

Do I need special admin permissions to connect Power Query to SharePoint?

No, you do not need admin permissions, but you must have at least 'Read' access to the SharePoint site and the specific folder contents you are trying to query. If you lack these permissions, the connection will fail during the authentication step.

How do I clear or change my existing SharePoint credentials in Excel?

If you are stuck in an authentication loop, go to the 'Data' tab, click 'Get Data', and select 'Data Source Settings'. Choose 'Global permissions', locate your SharePoint URL in the list, and click 'Edit Permissions' or 'Clear Permissions' to reset your login credentials.

Excel & Data Problems