Microsoft released a new Power Query experience in preview with the May 2026 Power BI Desktop update. This isn't a cosmetic change. It's a full redesign of how you connect and prepare data, and anyone who works with Power BI regularly will feel the difference from the very first click.
If you haven't enabled the feature yet, this article breaks down what changed, what improved, and how to turn on the preview on your machine.
What Is Power Query and Why Does It Matter?
For those just getting started, Power Query is the tool inside Power BI — and Excel as well — responsible for connecting, importing, and transforming data before it reaches your report. It's where you define where the data comes from, how it should be filtered, combined, and organized.
For years, the "Get Data" screen — Power Query's entry point — worked well but felt dated. The interface accumulated connectors, buttons, and menus in a way that can feel intimidating for beginners. The new experience is here to fix that.
What Changed in Practice
1. Faster Data Source Discovery
The new "Get Data" screen brings a redesigned left-hand navigation panel. Instead of an endless list of icons, you now get clearer paths to find the right source faster.
- New: access the full catalog of available connectors.
- Recent data: quickly reconnect to sources you've already used.
- OneLake Catalog: directly access Microsoft Fabric data items you already have permission to use.
2. Streamlined Connection Flow
Previously, connecting to a data source meant moving through several separate windows: choosing the connector, configuring authentication, selecting connectivity mode, and confirming each step in a different dialog.
Now everything is unified into a more cohesive flow. Settings, authentication, and connection mode appear in a logical sequence without jumping between dialogs. You choose a source and move straight to the data preview.
3. Accessibility and Dark Mode
- Full keyboard navigation: you can move through the entire experience without touching the mouse.
- Dark mode: welcome visual relief for anyone spending long hours in front of a screen.
4. Quick Shortcuts for Common Tasks
- Blank Table: ideal for typing or pasting data manually.
- Blank Query: for M code authors who need a custom query from scratch.
5. Consistency Across Microsoft Products
One of Microsoft's stated goals is to unify the Power Query experience across Power BI Desktop, Microsoft Fabric, and Excel. People who use all three start to feel at home regardless of where they are working.
How to Enable the Preview
The feature is still in testing, so it isn't enabled by default. To turn it on:
- Open Power BI Desktop.
- Go to File > Options and settings > Options.
- In the side menu, click Preview features.
- Check the "New Power Query experience" option.
- Restart Power BI Desktop.
The next time you click "Get Data", the new interface will be available.
Is It Worth Testing Now?
Yes, especially if you use Power BI regularly. The new experience is still a preview, so there may be occasional bugs, but the gains in organization and speed are already noticeable.
For anyone teaching Power BI or onboarding new analysts, the cleaner interface also helps a lot because it shortens the learning curve.
Microsoft is actively asking the community for feedback on the feature. If you find issues or have suggestions, it's worth participating in the Microsoft Fabric Community forum.
Conclusion
The new Power Query experience in Power BI Desktop is a concrete step in the right direction: a more modern interface, a simpler connection flow, built-in accessibility, and tighter integration with the Microsoft Fabric ecosystem.
It isn't a revolution in what Power Query does, but it is a real improvement in how you get there.
Power BI Desktop May 2026 update. Feature available as a preview and subject to change before the official release.