Connectors for OneDrive Excel Refresh in Power BI

PL-300 By islever Editorial Last updated

Get or connect to data

Short answer

DE Use the SharePoint folder and Web connectors to import the OneDrive Excel file for seamless service refresh.

Question

You have a Microsoft Excel file in a Microsoft OneDrive folder.
The file must be imported to a Power BI dataset.
You need to ensure that the dataset can be refreshed in powerbi.com.
Which two connectors can you use to connect to the file? Each correct answer presents a complete solution.
NOTE: Each correct selection is worth one point.
  1. Excel Workbook
  2. Text/CSV
  3. Folder
  4. SharePoint folder Correct Answer
  5. Web Correct Answer

Key Takeaways

The exam tests the distinction between local/file-based connectors and cloud-native connectors that support service-side refresh.

This question tests the correct connectors for importing an Excel file from OneDrive to ensure scheduled refresh in the Power BI Service. The Web and SharePoint Folder connectors are required because they support cloud-based data sources without on-premises gateways.

Common mistake: Learners often select 'Excel Workbook' or 'Text/CSV', which are valid for desktop but require a gateway for service refresh when pointing to local paths, or fail to recognize that OneDrive is accessed via SharePoint protocols.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

The correct answers are D (SharePoint folder) and E (Web). OneDrive for Business is built on SharePoint Online infrastructure. To connect to a file stored there without using an On-premises Data Gateway, you must use connectors that natively support the cloud source. The 'SharePoint folder' connector allows access to the document library, and the 'Web' connector can utilize the direct download URL of the file. Both methods allow the Power BI Service to refresh the dataset autonomously.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Options A (Excel Workbook), B (Text/CSV), and C (Folder) are typically used for local files. If these connectors point to a local path (e.g., C:\...), they will fail to refresh in the service unless an Enterprise Gateway is installed and configured. While the Excel Workbook connector can work with OneDrive if configured correctly in some contexts, the specific exam scenario and community consensus highlight that Web and SharePoint Folder are the definitive 'cloud-native' choices for this setup to avoid gateway dependencies.

Community Comment Notes

Community members consistently identify D and E as the correct pair. As user Fer079 noted, "if we must refresh the data from the service with no gateways then We must use web and sharepoint connectors." User SanaCanada added clarification that while Web is suitable, SharePoint Folder is also a primary method for accessing OneDrive content. Multiple users confirmed passing the exam with this selection.

Official Reference

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-use-onedrive-business-links

This link opens the official vendor documentation in a new tab.

Exam Strategy

When a question specifies 'refresh in powerbi.com' and the source is a cloud storage service like OneDrive or SharePoint, prioritize connectors that do not require a gateway. Avoid local file connectors unless the question explicitly mentions gateway configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't the Excel Workbook connector correct?

While it can work, the exam emphasizes connectors that inherently support cloud refresh without gateway ambiguity. Web and SharePoint Folder are the standard cloud-native solutions.

Can I use OneDrive links with the Web connector?

Yes, the Web connector accepts the direct link to the Excel file stored in OneDrive, allowing the service to fetch updates directly from the cloud.

More PL-300 FAQ →

Community Votes

DE
63%
BE
16%
AD
21%

63% of anonymous learners picked answer DE. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 117 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 30 of 117

  1. Fer079 👍 98
    We can import an excel file from multiple connectors (excel workbook, folder, web, sharepoint) but if we must refresh the data from the service with no gateways then We must use web and sharepoint connectors
  2. fred92 👍 39
    A, B, C: wrong! Would work technically, but the connection will be only to the local copy of the file, no refresh from the online version stored on OneDrive D: correct, but more complicated than option E E: correct, this is the best option to import from OneDrive
  3. venupurna 👍 28
    This was in the exam today. I passed the exam with 911 score. My answer : SharePoint Folder and Web
  4. Fer079 👍 19
    I tried both and they work perfectly, and of course, you need the path (in this case the URL of the excel file on One Drive) of the file, so I don´t see the problem you say...
  5. KobeData 👍 15
    Works just fine, this is how you do it :)
Show 25 more comments
  1. SanaCanada 👍 6
    Further clarification The Web connector in Power BI is not the best option for connecting to an Excel file. There are other connectors specifically designed for connecting to Excel files, such as the Excel Workbook connector and the SharePoint Folder connector. The Web connector is best suited for connecting to web-based data sources that expose data through a URL or web address, such as web pages, web APIs, and OData feeds. To connect to an Excel file stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, you should use the Excel Workbook or SharePoint Folder connector, respectively. These connectors are specifically designed to connect to Excel files and allow you to import data from the Excel file and create a dataset in Power BI. Once the dataset is created, you can then publish the dataset to the Power BI service and set up scheduled refresh to ensure the data is up-to-date.
  2. KarthikKumarK 👍 6
    If data should be refreshed, Then refresh will work when the connectors are web or SharePoint folder. It means, data should be available all time (online). If we use local path, It required a gateways. Thanks Karthik
  3. bjornopjemic 👍 6
    Isn't Web an option as well? https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-use-onedrive-business-links
  4. Hoeishetmogelijk 👍 6
    D & E
  5. b2775a4 👍 5
    Correct Answers: A. Excel Workbook: This is a direct and commonly used connector for importing Excel files into Power BI. It supports OneDrive integration and allows scheduled refreshes on powerbi.com. D. SharePoint Folder: If the file is stored in a OneDrive folder, which is backed by SharePoint in the backend, the "SharePoint Folder" connector can be used to access it. This method is also refreshable. Explanation of Other Options: B. Text/CSV: Not applicable for Excel files unless the file is exported as a .csv. Even then, it won't support refresh like the Excel connector. C. Folder: Used for combining files in a folder but not specifically for accessing a single Excel file in OneDrive. E. Web: Can be used if the file is accessible via a web URL (e.g., a public link), but this is not optimal or commonly used for OneDrive-stored files.
  6. Muying_Zhao 👍 5
    "The file must be imported to a Power BI dataset." that may be the key of this question, as the 4 options can connect to the online file, if want this file can be imported to a Power BI dataset, Sharepoint folder and Web will have some limitations, but Excel Workbook and Folder can definitely be imported to this Power BI dataset. Excel Workbook and Folder related documents: Connect to a folder from Power Query Online: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-query/connectors/folder#connect-to-a-folder-from-power-query-online Connect to an Excel workbook from Power Query Online: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-query/connectors/excel#connect-to-an-excel-workbook-from-power-query-online
  7. Lulu_2022 👍 5
    D. SharePoint Folder OneDrive for Business is built on SharePoint Online. Using the SharePoint Folder connector allows Power BI to access all files in a document library. You can then filter by file name or folder path to isolate your Excel file. This method supports scheduled refresh in the Power BI Service. E. Web You can use the Web connector with a direct link to the Excel file stored in OneDrive. Make sure to clean the URL (remove ?web=1) and authenticate using Organizational Account. This also supports refresh in powerbi.com, as long as you use OAuth2 authentication3.
  8. Ryan_042 👍 5
    - The biggest difference between AC and DE is about authentication. With AC you already have the OneDrive folder synced to your computer, so once the dataset is published into the Power BI service, no further configuration needs to be made (assume that gateway was installed on your computer). - On top of that all 4 option is possible, but AC requires the least operation. Since the question does not mention anything about authentication, AC should be the most suitable
  9. CookieMingkee 👍 5
    The requirement is "You need to ensure that the dataset can be refreshed in powerbi.com". No assumption on what you need to configure so that the dataset is updated. If you're connected through the Web or SharePoint Location, the ability to refresh from Power BI is already available with no additional connection configuration.
  10. Dani_eL 👍 5
    A & C connectors present you the common dialog window allowing you to pickup the file from your ONE DRIVE FOLDER(available from windows explorer). No credentials needed, no extra authentication
  11. cs3122 👍 5
    GPT probably found its answer from this site, unfortunately
  12. Pratham8285 👍 5
    It's definitely DE as explained from Microsoft instructor
  13. CandySays 👍 5
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYSMZxaXNLk
  14. PowerBiDAXSQL 👍 5
    These tricky questions are so annoying.
  15. bbshu0801 👍 5
    Chatgpt is not always right.
  16. GuerreiroJunior 👍 5
    Agreed KobeData
  17. SanaCanada 👍 4
    Correct Ansers A. Excel Workbook D. SharePoint folder To ensure that the dataset can be refreshed in powerbi.com, you can use the Excel Workbook connector or the SharePoint folder connector to connect to the Excel file in Microsoft OneDrive. The Excel Workbook connector allows you to connect to an Excel file in OneDrive and create a Power BI dataset directly from the file. This connector also enables you to schedule automatic refreshes of the dataset to ensure that the data is always up-to-date. The SharePoint folder connector allows you to connect to a SharePoint folder where the Excel file is stored, and then you can select the Excel file to create a dataset. This connector also supports automatic refreshes of the dataset. Using either of these connectors will ensure that the dataset can be refreshed in powerbi.com, as long as the OneDrive file is accessible and the credentials used to connect to the file are valid. No confusion, and no need to discuss further
  18. SanaCanada 👍 4
    Correct Answer A and D A. Excel Workbook D. SharePoint folder You can use the "Excel Workbook" connector to connect to the Excel file stored in OneDrive and import it into a Power BI dataset. This connector allows you to select the OneDrive folder where the file is located and specify the file name. You can also use the "SharePoint folder" connector to connect to the OneDrive folder and import the Excel file into a Power BI dataset. This connector allows you to specify the URL of the OneDrive folder and navigate to the Excel file within the folder. Using either of these connectors ensures that the dataset can be refreshed in Power BI, as the connection to the OneDrive folder will remain active even if the Excel file is updated or moved within the folder. No confusion, and no need to discuss further
  19. PinkZebra 👍 4
    Two options: - Copy and edit Path of the Excel file then use "Web" Connector: Option E - Copy and edit Path of the OneDrive folder then use "Sharepoint Folder" connector: Option D Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGHbbg6yi-A
  20. SumaiyaKS 👍 4
    The correct answer is E - Web https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-use-onedrive-business-links
  21. shs31 👍 4
    option D&E - The SharePoint folder connector also work for files hosted on OneDrive for Business.
  22. 9f73003 👍 4
    ChatGPT is wrong A TON!!! Be very careful with that thing.
  23. Churato 👍 4
    D and E. that's the way that I actually do on my job
  24. Shalaleh 👍 4
    but OneDrive is cloud and we do not need a gateway.
  25. mhv22 👍 3
    CHATGPT answer : To ensure that the dataset can be refreshed in powerbi.com from a Microsoft Excel file in a Microsoft OneDrive folder, you can use the following connectors: A. Excel Workbook: This connector allows you to connect directly to Excel files and import data from them into Power BI. D. SharePoint folder: Since the file is located in a Microsoft OneDrive folder, which is often associated with SharePoint, you can use the SharePoint folder connector to connect to the OneDrive folder and import the Excel file. Therefore, the correct connectors to use in this scenario are A. Excel Workbook and D. SharePoint folder.

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