Announcing the creation of connected tables in Excel Online

We’ve also been working hard to ensure that all Microsoft 365 update channels are able to use this feature in the Excel desktop application.

Insert a connected table in Excel online

To connect directly to data in your semantic model:

• Select Data from Power BI on the Data tab of the ribbon

• Use the search feature in the Power BI Datasets pane to find the dataset/semantic model you’d like to connect to and select Insert Table

• Use the Create Table dialog to:
1. Select data to appear in your table in the Data pane
2. Apply any filters you’d like in the Filters pane
3. Rearrange the field order in the Build pane

• Select Insert Table. You now have a table connected directly to your Power BI semantic model. Just like with other Connected Table experiences, the workbook contains a connection that you can review and modify in the Queries and Connections properties.

Updates to the Excel desktop application

We have a quick update on the availability of this feature for users of the Excel desktop application.

The connected tables feature is currently available in the M365 Current Channel. It will be available in the Monthly Enterprise Channel in April 2024, and will be rolled out to the Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel in July 2024 as a part of the regular M365 update process. Learn more about Microsoft 365 update channels in our M365 documentation.

To determine which Microsoft 365 Apps update channel your organization is currently using, open any Office application and:

• Go to File > Account
• Under the Product Information section, you’ll find the name of the update channel.