Three ways to repoint a PBIX file to a moved Excel data source

PL-300 By islever Editorial Last updated

Get or connect to data

Short answer

BDE Data source settings, the formula bar on the Source step, and the Advanced Editor all rewrite the file path.

Question

You have a PBIX file that imports data from a Microsoft Excel data source stored in a file share on a local network. You are notified that the Excel data source was moved to a new location. You need to update the PBIX file to use the new location. What are three ways to achieve the goal? Each correct answer presents a complete solution. NOTE: Each correct selection is worth one point.
  1. From the Datasets settings of the Power BI service, configure the data source credentials.
  2. From the Data source settings in Power BI Desktop, configure the file path. Correct Answer
  3. From Current File in Power BI Desktop, configure the Data Load settings.
  4. From Power Query Editor, use the formula bar to configure the file path for the applied step. Correct Answer
  5. From Advanced Editor in Power Query Editor, configure the file path in the M code. Correct Answer

Key Takeaways

Every path that rewrites the connection string works: the Data source settings dialog, the formula bar over the applied Source step, or editing the M code in the Advanced Editor — all three operate on the same underlying connection definition.

A PBIX file imports from an Excel file on a local network share that has been moved, and three distinct methods inside Power BI Desktop can update the connection to the new location.

Common mistake: Confusing dataset settings in the service or Data Load options with the connection path — the former manages credentials and refresh for an already published dataset, and the latter controls background load behavior, neither of which changes where the file lives.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

Data source settings (B) in Power BI Desktop opens the stored connections where you can edit the source and enter the new file path, updating every query that uses it. In Power Query Editor, selecting the Source applied step and editing the path in the formula bar (D) rewrites that query's connection directly. The Advanced Editor (E) exposes the full M code, where the file path in the Source expression can be modified in place. All three produce a PBIX that loads from the new location.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Dataset settings in the Power BI service (A) manage credentials and refresh for a dataset already published to the service — they cannot rewrite the connection inside the local PBIX file. Data Load settings under Current File (C) control background data preview, parallel table loading, and type detection behavior; no field there accepts a data source path.

Community Comment Notes

A highly endorsed comment confirms B, D, and E outright. Another walks through the eliminations: dataset settings address published datasets rather than the PBIX's own connection, and Data Load settings govern load behavior, not source paths.

Official Reference

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-data-sources

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

Community Votes

BDE
100%

100% of anonymous learners picked answer BDE. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 13 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 13

  1. Florinuca 👍 21
    The answer is correct! B, D and E are the correct options!
  2. MANANDAVEY 👍 4
    B. From the Data source settings in Power BI Desktop, configure the file path. This option allows you to update the connection information for the Excel data source, including changing the file path to the new location. D. From Power Query Editor, use the formula bar to configure the file path for the applied step. If the source step in Power Query shows the file path, you can change it directly in the formula bar to reflect the new file location. E. From Advanced Editor in Power Query Editor, configure the file path in the M code. The Advanced Editor lets you edit the M code directly, which includes updating the file path to the new location of the Excel data source.
  3. rcaliandro 👍 2
    B. From the Data source settings in Power BI Desktop, configure the file path. D. From Power Query Editor, use the formula bar to configure the file path for the applied step. E. From Advanced Editor in Power Query Editor, configure the file path in the M code Given answer is correct
  4. ee0625a 👍 1
    Choice A does not help update the file path but applies to datasets already published to the Power BI service. Choice C also does not allow you to change the file path of a data source. It only controls how data is loaded (e.g., cache settings).
  5. JustdoBI 👍 1
    c is correct as well IMO. Data Source settings has the "change source option".
Show 8 more comments
  1. Manoj1152 👍 2
    B,C,E IS CORRECT
  2. benni_ale 👍 1
    Not sure about A though
  3. LOCOBI 👍 1
    Correct anwser BDE
  4. JudT 👍 1
    Checked: Correct
  5. Kiran37 👍 1
    Correct answer
  6. DexTorao 👍 1
    B , D and E
  7. niceguysfinishlast 👍 1
    corrrect
  8. f133b89 👍 1
    correct

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