Data Import & Export

How to Use Teams or SharePoint Excel Files as a Data Source

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to retrieve data from an Excel workbook stored in a Microsoft Teams or SharePoint library that does not automatically appear in the native Get Data connector.

Product: Microsoft Excel, Teams, SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Importing data or retrieving responses from a cloud-stored workbook in a collaborative Teams or SharePoint environment.
Observed behavior: The target Excel files located in the Teams or SharePoint library are not visible or selectable directly through Excel's Get Data connector.

Before you start

Ensure you have the OneDrive desktop client installed and signed in with the same account used to access your Microsoft Teams or SharePoint environment.

Solution 1Recommended

Synchronize the SharePoint Library with OneDrive

Since Teams files are stored in an associated SharePoint library, you can sync this library to your local computer to access the files via Excel's standard local file connector.

This workaround bridges the gap between cloud storage and the local Excel application by mirroring the cloud library to your computer's local drive.

Locate the Library

Open the Microsoft Teams channel files tab or the associated SharePoint site that contains your target Excel workbook.

Sync to Computer

Click the 'Sync' button in the top toolbar to synchronize the document library to your computer via OneDrive.

Launch Get Data

Open your local Excel workbook, navigate to the 'Data' tab, and select 'Get Data' > 'From File' > 'From Excel Workbook'.

Select the Synced File

In the file explorer window, navigate to your newly created OneDrive synced folder, select the target Excel file, and proceed to import your data.

Automatic Updates: Once the file is synced, any updates made by team members in Teams or SharePoint will sync to your local machine automatically, keeping your data source current.

Solution 2

Extract Data Using Power Automate

Use Microsoft Power Automate to build a flow that automatically collects responses from the SharePoint or Teams file and pushes them to a central location.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage and Analyze Your Data Seamlessly with WPS Office

If you are looking for a highly compatible and lightweight alternative for your spreadsheet management without relying on complex data connectors, try WPS Office. It handles local and synced cloud files with ease while offering a familiar interface.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite.
2. Sync Your Files: Use your preferred cloud sync tool (like OneDrive) to mirror your team's files locally.
3. Open and Edit: Launch WPS Spreadsheet, navigate to your synced folder, and open your data files instantly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel file formats (.xlsx, .xls, .csv).Easily access and edit local files synced from cloud platforms like OneDrive and SharePoint.Lightweight installation ensures fast loading times for heavy data files.Familiar user interface makes migrating from Microsoft Office instant and effortless.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I see my Teams files directly in the Excel Get Data connector?

Files uploaded to Microsoft Teams channels are stored in a backend SharePoint Document Library. If the Get Data connector is not specifically pointed to that SharePoint site's URL, the files will not appear automatically in the browse menu.

Does syncing a SharePoint library take up hard drive space?

By default, OneDrive uses 'Files On-Demand', meaning the synced SharePoint files only appear as shortcuts and do not take up local hard drive space until you open them or explicitly mark them to 'Always keep on this device'.

Can I use Power Query to connect directly to the SharePoint folder instead?

Yes, if you know the exact root URL of the SharePoint site, you can sometimes use 'Get Data > From File > From SharePoint Folder' in Excel and filter down to the specific file, but the OneDrive sync method is often much more user-friendly.

Excel & Data Problems