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Varun123's avatar
Varun123
Copper Contributor
Aug 27, 2025

Power Query Error Data Not Loading

I’m using Office LTSC 2024, In Power Query, when I try to load data from another Excel file (or even the same workbook), I get the error:

"Microsoft Excel couldn't load a necessary component. It might have been damaged or deleted. Try reinstalling the client software or data source driver software for your database."

And also: "download failed error in data source query n connections".

Here’s what I’ve already tried:

Tested with a new blank workbook, same error appears.

Done Office repair (both offline and online), still not working.

The issue is only with Power Query loading Excel workbooks.

Could anyone please help me with this issue?

excel
office 365

1 Reply

  • NikolinoDE's avatar
    NikolinoDE
    Gold Contributor
    Aug 28, 2025

    The error you’re seeing is a known problem with Excel LTSC 2021 (perpetual license) and Power Query when loading from Excel workbooks. It’s different from ODBC/Access Database Engine issues — since you already confirmed drivers are there and working.

     

    In Office LTSC 2021, the Power Query components (also called the Microsoft Mashup Engine) are frozen at the 2021 build. They don’t get feature or compatibility updates like Office 365 (subscription) does.

    When Power Query tries to load from an Excel file, it relies on the Excel Data Provider add-in. If that component is corrupted or mismatched, you’ll see:

    • "Microsoft Excel couldn't load a necessary component..."
    • "Download failed error in data source query n connections".

    This is especially common if you’ve installed multiple Office versions or redistributable drivers (Access Database Engine, older Office, etc.) on the same machine — Excel can end up pointing at the wrong provider.

     

    What could you do to possibly fix it?

     

    You said you installed the 64-bit Access Database Engine 2016.

    Double-check there’s no 32-bit version installed. If both are present, Excel 64-bit can choke.

    In Programs & Features, uninstall any 32-bit “Microsoft Access Database Engine” or older “Office Data Connectivity Components”.

     

    Re-register Power Query / Mashup Engine DLLs

    • Run Command Prompt as Administrator and re-register the key component:
    • cd "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16"

    regsvr32 PQProxy.dll

    regsvr32 PQOLAP.dll

    (Path may differ depending on LTSC install — sometimes under C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16.)

    This often fixes the “missing component” error.

     

    If the LTSC Power Query component is simply too buggy for your scenario, switch to Microsoft 365 Apps, because Power Query is actively developed there. If that’s not possible due to licensing, try re-registering the Mashup DLLs first — that usually clears the “couldn’t load necessary component” error.

     

    My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

     

    Hope this will help you.

     

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