Connecting to Data Sources

To analyze and visualize data, you need a data source. Power BI provides users with the ability to connect to a variety of different data sources ranging from standard Excel and CSV files to complex databases hosted in the cloud through an easy-to-navigate GUI.

Whether you are working with a standalone CSV file or need to integrate multiple data sources into a single data model, there is likely a Power BI Connector available for you to use. With Microsoft investing heavily into Microsoft Fabric, its highly likely that existing connectors will continue to be improved while new ones are developed and added.

To connect your Power BI report to a new data source, follow these steps:

Step 1: In Power BI Desktop, click Get Data to open up a panel, allowing you to search for and identify your data connector:

Power BI Desktop’s Get Data feature

Microsoft maintains an updated list of all Power BI connectors and you should review them to see if one meets your need.

As well, Microsoft provides a view to future Power BI connectors in development, giving developers a vision and pathway for what is to come.