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How to Restore the Missing 'From Microsoft Query' Command in Excel
Question details
The user is unable to locate the 'From Microsoft Query' command in the Get Data menu of Excel for Microsoft 365 and needs a stable method to restore it.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to retrieve external data using the Microsoft Query command, but finding it missing from the standard Ribbon interface.
- Observed behavior
- The 'From Microsoft Query' command is missing from Get Data. Adding it via a custom Ribbon group only works intermittently, and enabling Legacy options does not fully restore the original functionality.
Ensure your Excel application is fully updated to the latest version and verify your active database connections before modifying the Ribbon settings.
Locate Command in 'From Other Sources' and Customize Ribbon
The command may have been relocated in recent updates. You can find it under the 'From Other Sources' menu or add it back to your Ribbon manually.
In newer builds of Microsoft 365, some classic data import features have been moved to prioritize modern Power Query functionalities. You can manually restore the classic Microsoft Query button by customizing your Ribbon.
Open Excel, go to the 'Data' tab, click on 'Get Data', and then select 'From Other Sources' to check if 'From Microsoft Query' is listed there.
If the command is missing, right-click anywhere on the Ribbon and select 'Customize the Ribbon' from the context menu.
In the right pane, expand the 'Data' tab, click 'New Group', and optionally rename it to 'Legacy Data' so you can easily identify it.
In the left pane, change 'Choose commands from' to 'All Commands'. Scroll down to find 'From Microsoft Query', select it, and click 'Add' to move it into your newly created custom group. Click 'OK' to save.
Enable Legacy Data Import Wizards
Although it may not perfectly mirror the old command button, enabling legacy options can restore the related wizard features natively without custom groups.
Update and Repair Microsoft Office
If the command appears and disappears intermittently, an Office update or repair can resolve the underlying software glitches causing the Ribbon instability.
Use WPS Office for a Stable, Uninterrupted Spreadsheet Experience
If Microsoft Excel features become unstable or go missing after updates, consider switching to WPS Office. It offers a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative with a familiar interface, ensuring your data analysis workflow remains uninterrupted.
- 1. Download and install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and complete the installation.
- 2. Open your files: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and click 'Open' to browse and edit your existing Excel files directly.
- 3. Manage your data: Use the familiar Data tab to import, filter, and analyze your spreadsheet data effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 'From Microsoft Query' command disappear intermittently in Excel?
This intermittent disappearance is a known glitch in some versions of Excel for Microsoft 365 (such as Version 2403). It is often caused by software bugs or conflicts with background updates. Running an Online Repair or waiting for the next patch usually resolves the instability.
What is the difference between the legacy wizard and the original query command?
The Legacy Data Import Wizard provides an older, classic interface for connecting to databases, which some users prefer for specific legacy databases. The newer command integrates more deeply with modern Power Query functionalities, though both ultimately allow you to retrieve external data.
Can I use Power Query instead of Microsoft Query?
Yes, Microsoft heavily recommends using Power Query (via 'Get & Transform Data') as a modern, more robust, and flexible alternative to the older Microsoft Query tool for connecting to and importing external data.
