How to Import Data into Power BI
- George Apostolov
How to Import Data into Power BI: step-by-step guide
Let's get started! Open Power BI Desktop on your computer and click 'Excel' in the Home ribbon from the common data sources.
Browse to locate your Excel file in the file explorer window that appears.
Once you've found your file, click 'Open' to continue to the next step.
After previewing your data, click 'Load' to import it into Power BI.
In the Navigator window, check the boxes next to the tables or sheets you want to import. You can preview each one by selecting it first.
Now for the fun part! Create visualizations by dragging fields to the report canvas or clicking the chart icons in the Visualizations pane.
Pro tip: Check your Excel data for blank cells, inconsistent formatting, or errors before importing—your future self will thank you for cleaner visualizations.
Click 'File' to save.
Quick answer: To import data into Power BI Desktop, open the application and select 'Excel' from the Home ribbon. Browse for your file, click 'Open', and choose tables or sheets in the Navigator window. Preview your data, click 'Load' to import it, create visualizations on the report canvas, and save your file via the 'File' menu.
About this Power BI tutorial
Bring spreadsheets into Power BI Desktop by selecting Excel sources, navigating your files, loading tables, and building visual reports. This guide shows how to import Data into Power BI in 8 steps, starting with "Let's get started! Open Power BI Desktop on your computer and click 'Excel' in the Home..." and finishing with "Click 'File' to save". 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 import Data into Power BI?
8 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 Import Excel into Power BI, How to Import Visuals in Power BI and How to Install Power BI. Last reviewed 05 Oct 2026.
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