Why Excel Power Query Results Change After Close & Load
Question details
The user needs to determine why data shown in an Excel Power Query preview differs after the query is closed and loaded to a worksheet or data model.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel Power Query
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user reviews a query result in Power Query and then uses Close & Load to load the output.
- Observed behavior
- The loaded results differ from the expected source data or from the values visible in the Power Query preview.
Open the query in Power Query Editor and identify the worksheet table, data model, or connection where it is loaded. Confirm that you are comparing the same query preview, source file, and refresh time.
Review Applied Steps that transform the query output
Use this method when values, row counts, or columns change because a transformation is being applied before the query loads.
Every item under Applied Steps modifies the previous result. A step can change values without being obvious in the final preview, particularly when it converts data types, removes rows, replaces values, groups records, or merges another query.
In Excel, select Data > Queries & Connections, right-click the affected query, and choose Edit.
In the Query Settings pane, select each item under Applied Steps and compare the preview. Pay particular attention to Changed Type, Filtered Rows, Removed Rows, Replaced Value, Grouped Rows, and Merged Queries.
Select columns with numeric-looking values and review the data type icon in each column header. Use Transform > Data Type to verify whether the column is Text, Whole Number, Decimal Number, Date, or another intended type.
Click the X beside an unwanted Applied Step, or select the step and adjust its settings through the gear icon when available. Confirm that the preview now matches the intended values.
Select Home > Close & Load, then check the destination table after the load completes.
Verify filters, merges, and the query load destination
Use this method when rows are missing, duplicated, unexpectedly matched, or loaded to a different location than expected.
Confirm that refresh uses the intended source data
Use this method when the loaded result appears correct at first but changes after refresh, reopening the workbook, or updating the source.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Power Query show different values after Close & Load?
The query may contain an Applied Step that changes the data before loading. In Power Query Editor, review Query Settings > Applied Steps, especially Changed Type, Replaced Value, Filtered Rows, Grouped Rows, and Merged Queries.
How do I find out whether Power Query converted text to numbers?
Open the query through Data > Queries & Connections > Edit. Check the data type icon in the affected column header and select the Changed Type step to see whether a Text column was converted to Whole Number or Decimal Number.
Why are rows missing after I load a Power Query result?
Check Filtered Rows, Removed Rows, and Merged Queries in Applied Steps. A filter may exclude records, and a merge can omit unmatched rows depending on the join type selected in the merge settings.
How can I verify where an Excel query is loading?
Go to Data > Queries & Connections, right-click the query, and select Load To. Check whether the query loads to a worksheet Table, the Data Model, or only as a connection.
Why do query results change after I refresh the workbook?
Refresh may retrieve data from a different or updated source. In Power Query Editor, select the Source step to verify its location, then use Data > Queries & Connections > right-click query > Properties to review refresh settings.
