Connect to files stored in OneDrive for a classic workspace
When you create a classic workspace in Power BI, you're also creating a Microsoft 365 group, with an associated OneDrive for Business. This article explains how to store and update your Excel, CSV, and Power BI Desktop files on that OneDrive for Business. Those updates are automatically reflected in the Power BI reports and dashboards based on the files.
Note
The new workspace experience changes the relationship between Power BI workspaces and Microsoft 365 groups. You don't automatically create a Microsoft 365 group every time you create one of the new workspaces. You can also set a workspace OneDrive for a new workspace.
Adding files to your classic workspace is a two-step process:
- First you upload files to the OneDrive for Business for your workspace.
- Then you connect to those files from Power BI.
Note
Workspaces are only available with a Power BI Pro license.
1 Upload files to the OneDrive for Business for your workspace
In the Power BI service, select the arrow next to Workspaces > select the ellipsis (…) next to your workspace name.
Select Files to open the OneDrive for Business for your workspace on Microsoft 365.
Note
If you don't see Files on the workspace menu, select Members to open the OneDrive for Business for your workspace. There, select Files. Microsoft 365 sets up a OneDrive storage location for your app's group workspace files. This process may take some time.
Here, you can upload your files to the OneDrive for Business for your workspace. Select Upload, and navigate to your files.
2 Import Excel files as datasets or as Excel Online workbooks
Now that your files are in the OneDrive for Business for your workspace, you have a choice. You can:
- Import the data from the Excel workbook as a dataset. Then use the data to build reports and dashboards you can view in a web browser and on mobile devices.
- Or connect to a whole Excel workbook in Power BI and display it exactly as it appears in Excel Online.
Import or connect to the files in your workspace
In Power BI, switch to the workspace, so the workspace name is in the top-left corner.
Select Get Data at the bottom of the nav pane.
In the Files box, select Get.
Select OneDrive - Your Workspace Name.
Select the file you want > Connect.
At this point, you decide whether to import the data from the Excel workbook, or connect to the whole Excel workbooks.
Select Import or Connect.
If you select Import, then the workbook appears on the Datasets tab.
If you select Connect, then the workbook is on the Workbooks tab.
Next steps
- Create apps and workspaces in Power BI
- Import data from Excel workbooks
- Connect to whole Excel workbooks
- More questions? Try the Power BI Community
- Feedback? Visit Power BI Ideas
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