Excel is adding a search bar and new dialogs
Microsoft is rolling out a substantial update to the Excel for Windows interface, introducing a completely modernized “Get Data” dialog aimed at simplifying the process of connecting to external data sources. This move is the first major step toward modernizing the Power Query experience in Excel and, honestly, it’s a necessary change.
For anyone who uses data analysis, Power Query has always been incredibly powerful. However, I would say the biggest problem was that the interface for finding and initiating these connections often seemed cluttered and dated. Microsoft promises that this new dialog box will make locating and using these external data sources much faster and much more intuitive for everyone.
If you use Excel for Windows as an M365 subscriber, you can check it out now. To open the new interface, simply select the Data tab on the ribbon. Next, you click Get Data and look for the option called Get Data (Preview).
The first thing you’ll notice is how clear and simple the starting point is. According to Microsoft, the fundamental philosophy here appears to be rapid access and built-in efficiency. The modern dialog immediately gives you a centralized view. It features a prominent search bar at the top, which is a huge quality of life improvement, allowing you to quickly type in the specific connector you need instead of scrolling through menus.
I think the biggest advantage for regular users is the structure of the new dialog, which breaks down the login process into logical tabs. When you first open it, you land on the Home tab. This section is specifically designed to highlight popular or recommended data sources, which means that if you’re still connecting to SQL Server or perhaps a specific web source, these options should be waiting for you.
This gives you direct access to your most common workflows without wasting time navigating connectors you’ll never use. If you need to browse the entire catalog, simply select the New tab, located below the category list on the left side of the dialog box. This tab allows you to browse all available data sources.
It’s important to note that while the discovery process has been completely redesigned, the current import workflow has not yet changed. Once you select the desired source in the new dialog box, Excel takes you directly into the familiar Power Query import process. You’ll see the same steps you know today to configure credentials, configure settings, and preview data.
This means there is no steep learning curve for the core Power Query engine itself, which is a good thing for continuity. Microsoft mentioned that the team is working on bigger innovations to come. We can expect upcoming improvements such as modern import flows and a completely modern Power Query editor. We should also expect to see more modules integrated into this single dialog soon.
For those worried about change, Microsoft hasn’t completely put an end to the old ways yet. You can still import external data using the classic Get Data drop-down categories in the Data tab, next to the new preview dialog.
The feature is currently rolling out gradually to Microsoft 365 subscribers using Excel for Windows. You will need to be running version 2509 Build 16.0.19328.20000 or later to see the preview option.
Source: Microsoft
