Why Excel Power Query Does Not Refresh While the Workbook Is Closed
Question details
The user needs to understand why an Excel Power Query connection configured to refresh every few minutes stops refreshing after the workbook is closed.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel Power Query
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user has a Power Query connection set to refresh automatically at a regular interval, then closes the workbook expecting the scheduled refresh to continue.
- Observed behavior
- The Power Query scheduled refresh does not run while the workbook is closed; built-in interval refresh only works while the workbook remains open.
Open the workbook in Excel and check Data > Queries & Connections > Connections > Properties to confirm the connection name and the Refresh every interval. Decide whether refresh must continue after the workbook is fully closed.
Keep the Excel Workbook Open for Built-in Power Query Scheduled Refresh
Use this solution when you can keep the workbook open and only need the built-in Excel refresh interval to work.
Double-click the Excel file to open it in Microsoft Excel. The Power Query refresh interval is active only while the workbook remains open.
Go to Data > Queries & Connections, open the Connections pane, right-click the query connection, choose Properties, and confirm the Refresh every option is set.
Keep the workbook open, minimized if necessary, so Excel can run the background refresh. Closing the workbook stops the scheduled refresh.
Refresh a Closed Excel Workbook with Power Automate
Use this solution when you need unattended refresh while the workbook is closed, such as for a report or dashboard that must stay current.
Use WPS Office as a Free, Lightweight Spreadsheet Alternative for Excel Files
WPS Office is a free, lightweight Office suite that opens, edits, and saves Excel files with high compatibility, giving you a familiar ribbon-style interface for daily spreadsheet work. It does not run Excel Power Query schedules, but it covers essential data sorting, filtering, formulas, and charting without Microsoft 365 automation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Excel Power Query background refresh only run when the workbook is open?
Yes. Built-in scheduled refresh at a set interval works only while the workbook remains open. Once you close the workbook, the refresh session stops until it is opened again.
Will minimizing Excel stop Power Query from refreshing?
No. Minimizing the workbook or keeping it open in the background is fine. The scheduled refresh stops only when the workbook is fully closed.
Can Power Automate refresh a closed Excel workbook stored on my local drive?
Usually not directly. For unattended refresh, upload the workbook to OneDrive or SharePoint and use the Excel Online connector. Local-only files may require an on-premises data gateway.
Where do I check the refresh interval for a Power Query connection in Excel?
In Excel, go to Data > Queries & Connections, open the Connections pane, right-click the connection, select Properties, and check the Refresh every setting.
Will WPS Office run Excel Power Query scheduled refreshes?
No. WPS Office does not include Excel Power Query, so it cannot run Excel Power Query refresh schedules. It can open and edit Excel files for common spreadsheet tasks.
