How to Add Data Source in Power BI
- George Apostolov
How to Add Data Source in Power BI: step-by-step guide
Make sure you're on the 'Home' tab when you launch it. Click the 'Get Data' button.
Choose your data source.
After choosing your source, Power BI will prompt you to add a file. Choose the file and click 'Open'.
Select the table you want to import and click 'Load'.
Once connected, you can pull the data into Power BI and start building visuals.
Quick answer: To add a data source in Power BI, navigate to the Home tab and click Get Data. Next, choose your data source, select the file, and click Open. Finally, select the table you want to import and click Load to connect your data and start building visuals.
About this Power BI tutorial
Import data into Power BI by selecting a source file, choosing your preferred table, and loading it to start building visuals. This guide shows how to add Data Source in Power BI in 5 steps, starting with "Make sure you're on the 'Home' tab when you launch it. Click the 'Get Data' button" and finishing with "Once connected, you can pull the data into Power BI and start building visuals". The interactive demo above is a click-through copy of the real Power BI interface, so you can rehearse each step before doing it in your own account.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps does it take to add Data Source in Power BI?
5 steps. Each one is listed in order above, and the demo highlights exactly where to click.
Can I try it without changing my own account?
Yes. Clicking through the demo doesn't touch your Power BI data or settings. Once you know the flow, repeat it in your own workspace.
This tutorial is filed under Power BI. Related guides: How to Add a Date Column in Power BI, How to Add Date Slicer in Power BI and How to Add a Drill Through in Power BI. Last reviewed 05 Oct 2026.
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