MC1293484 – Excel Desktop update required to connect to Power Platform Analytical Dataflows

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps, Power Platform, Windows

Platform:

Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

User impact, Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Excel Desktop must be updated to Build 16.0.17932.20732 or newer by May 27, 2026, to maintain connectivity with Power Platform Analytical Dataflows. Older versions will lose access as the legacy endpoint is retired. No admin changes needed beyond updating Excel.

Details:
[Introduction]
Action required: We are updating the Power Platform Dataflows connector in Excel Desktop to improve reliability and support future enhancements. To avoid disruption, organizations who use Power Platform Analytical Dataflows connector must update Excel Desktop to a supported build before this change rolls out, as older versions will no longer be able to connect to Power Platform Analytical Dataflows.
[When this will happen:]
The required Excel Desktop version (Build 16.0.17932.20732 or newer) is available as of April 27, 2026 (the publication date of this post).
Beginning May 27, 2026, the legacy backend endpoint will begin to be retired as part of a gradual rollout (there is no single hard cutover date). After this date, Excel Desktop versions earlier than Build 16.0.17932.20732 may lose connectivity to Power Platform Analytical Dataflows.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2026-04-28

updated:
2026-04-28

Task Type

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Loss of Connectivity
Excel Desktop versions earlier than Build 16.0.17932.20732 will fail to connect to Power Platform Analytical Dataflows after the new endpoint is in use.
   - roles: Data Analysts, Business Intelligence Users
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/how-to-update-microsoft-365-or-office-for-windows-2ab296f3-7f03-43a2-8e50-46de917611c5

User Disruption
Users running outdated Excel builds will experience disruptions in their workflows, leading to potential delays in data analysis and reporting.
   - roles: Data Analysts, Report Creators
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/how-to-update-microsoft-365-or-office-for-windows-2ab296f3-7f03-43a2-8e50-46de917611c5

Increased Support Tickets
Helpdesk teams may receive an influx of support requests from users unable to connect to dataflows, increasing operational workload.
   - roles: Helpdesk Support, IT Operations
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/how-to-update-microsoft-365-or-office-for-windows-2ab296f3-7f03-43a2-8e50-46de917611c5

Compliance Issues
Organizations may face compliance issues if they fail to update Excel, as older versions will not receive updates and lose connectivity.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, IT Managers
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/how-to-update-microsoft-365-or-office-for-windows-2ab296f3-7f03-43a2-8e50-46de917611c5

Documentation Updates
Internal documentation referencing Excel build requirements will need to be updated, which may lead to confusion if not communicated properly.
   - roles: Documentation Specialists, IT Managers
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/how-to-update-microsoft-365-or-office-for-windows-2ab296f3-7f03-43a2-8e50-46de917611c5

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Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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