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To bring MySQL data into Excel, use Power Query for a repeatable import and transformation workflow, Connector/ODBC with Microsoft Query when you want to query selected fields through an ODBC data source, or MySQL Workbench to export a one-time file. The best choice depends on your Excel version and platform, the drivers or connector components it requires, and whether you need to refresh the data later.
Choose a MySQL-to-Excel method
| What you need | Start with | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Import data and transform it in Excel | Power Query’s MySQL database connector | Your Excel edition, any requested connector component, database credentials, and server access. Requirements differ by deployment. Microsoft’s MySQL connector documentation and Microsoft Support’s connection guidance describe relevant prerequisites. |
| Query selected columns using an ODBC data source | MySQL Connector/ODBC with Microsoft Query | The appropriate ODBC driver, data source configuration, and the menu options available in your Excel version. MySQL’s Connector/ODBC guide documents this workflow. |
| Make a one-time copy | MySQL Workbench export to CSV or Excel XML | Whether you are comfortable repeating the export manually when the data changes. MySQL Workbench’s export documentation describes available formats. |
Both Power Query and Microsoft Query can retrieve data from MySQL, but neither removes the need for a compatible setup, working network access, and credentials authorized to read the intended data. The cited documentation describes capabilities and workflows, not a controlled speed comparison, so choose based on fit rather than an assumed performance advantage.
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Connect using Power Query
Power Query is a practical starting point when you want to select database data, transform it before loading, and maintain a workbook connection that can be refreshed. Microsoft’s connector instructions describe entering the server and database, authenticating, choosing data in Navigator, and loading it or opening it for transformation.
- In Excel, open the data import options and select the MySQL database connector. The exact menu path and labels depend on your Excel release; look under the current Data or Get Data options.
- Enter the MySQL server and database details when prompted. Confirm that the computer running Excel can reach the server and that you have credentials authorized for the tables you need.
- Authenticate, then select the relevant table or other available data in Navigator.
- Choose to load the result into Excel or transform it in Power Query first. Filter or shape the data so the workbook receives only what you need.
- If you already have a defined subset, use the connector’s optional native SQL statement where appropriate. The connector also documents an optional command timeout.
After the initial import, use the workbook’s available query refresh controls to retrieve updated data. A refresh depends on the connection still being reachable and the credentials remaining valid; it is not the same as a static export.
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- USB Bus-Powered — No Adapter Needed for Most Drives: Powers most 2.5" SATA SSDs and laptop HDDs directly from USB. Note: Some older or high-capacity 2.5" mechanical HDDs may draw more current than a single USB port provides — if a drive fails to spin up, try a powered USB hub or a different USB 3.0 port.
- USB 3.0 (USB-A) — 5Gbps with UASP: Host connection is USB Type-A (USB-A). Computers with only USB-C ports require a separate USB-C to USB-A adapter (not included). UASP support for faster transfers on compatible systems.
- Plug & Play: No drivers required; hot-swappable design for quick access to drives on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Usage Note: Not intended for all configurations such as system boot drives or certain embedded systems; compatibility may vary by device
Check requirements for your Excel deployment
Do not assume every Excel installation needs the same driver. Microsoft’s connector documentation identifies Oracle MySQL Connector/NET as a requirement for Power BI Desktop and for certain Power Query Online or Power BI service gateway deployments. For an on-premises server requiring a gateway, Microsoft specifies a standard-mode gateway rather than personal mode. Microsoft Support separately points Windows users to an appropriate MySQL ODBC driver if Excel reports that additional components are missing. Check your exact Excel edition, the connector prompt, and whether you are using desktop Excel, an online service, or a gateway before installing anything.
Use Connector/ODBC with Microsoft Query
If an ODBC data source fits your setup, MySQL Connector/ODBC can be used with Microsoft Query to retrieve data into an Excel worksheet. Oracle MySQL’s Connector/ODBC Developer Guide documents selecting columns and optionally filtering rows or sorting results before returning them to Excel.
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- SATA DRIVES ONLY — 2.5in & 3.5in: Works with SATA I/II/III hard drives and SSDs. Does NOT support IDE/PATA, M.2 NVMe, M.2 SATA, SAS, or drives already in a USB enclosure. Check your drive's connector before ordering — a bare SATA drive has a wide flat L-shaped edge connector, not a ribbon cable or a small M.2 gold-finger card.
- USB TYPE-A HOST CABLE — NOT A USB-C PORT: The included host cable ends in USB Type-A and plugs into a USB 3.0 Type-A port. If your computer has only USB-C ports, you will need a USB-C to USB-A adapter, which is not included. For stable operation plug directly into the computer — USB hubs and USB 2.0 ports may cause intermittent disconnections.
- REAL-WORLD SPEED, NOT INTERFACE MATH: USB 3.0 with UASP support (UASP-capable host required). Typical mechanical HDD transfer speeds are 100-160 MB/s, which is the drive's own limit, not the port's; SSD speeds vary up to the USB interface maximum. Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1.
- 12V POWER ADAPTER INCLUDED — REQUIRED FOR 3.5in DRIVES: A 12V/2A AC power adapter is in the box and a wall outlet is needed. 3.5in HDDs cannot run on USB power alone — without the adapter the drive will fail to spin up or drop out during use. 2.5in drives are generally bus-powered, but the adapter is recommended for stability.
- PLUG AND PLAY, TOOL-FREE, HOT-SWAP: No drivers on Windows 10/11, macOS, or Linux. Lay-flat bay accepts a bare drive without tools, swaps without rebooting, and an LED shows power and activity. Note: S.M.A.R.T. diagnostics are not passed through the USB bridge, and on macOS a drive may need remounting after sleep. Drive not included.
- Install and configure the appropriate MySQL ODBC driver and data source for your environment.
- In Excel, find the ODBC or Microsoft Query option available in your version. Current releases may place data connections under Data or Get Data; older documentation may show labels that have since changed.
- Choose the configured data source and provide credentials if requested.
- In Microsoft Query, select the columns you need, then apply available filters or sorting.
- Return the query results to the worksheet. If you need current database values later, use the workbook’s connection or refresh options where available.
This approach is useful when you want to retrieve a deliberately limited set of fields or already rely on ODBC. It requires a working driver and data source configuration; menu names and availability vary by Excel version.
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Export a one-time file with MySQL Workbench
If you need a snapshot rather than a maintained workbook connection, MySQL Workbench can export table data to CSV. Its result-grid export also supports Excel XML, among other formats. Open the relevant data or result grid, use its export option, choose the format, and save the file for Excel to open.
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- 【Important Note】: Can not available for 3.5” hard drive. Not compatible with ATA(IDE), MSATA, and M.2 interfaces. No power adapter included. Please confirm your hard drive type before purchase
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- 【5Gbps High Speed Output】: The SATA to USB adapter supports USB 3.0 super speed data transfer up to 5Gbps, but you can experience transfer speeds up to 70% faster than conventional USB 3.0 when connected to a computer that also supports UASP
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An exported file is a point-in-time copy. It does not inherently refresh from MySQL when the database changes; to update it, repeat the export and replace or re-import the file.
Quick Recap
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- QUICKLY ACCESS A SATA SSD OR HDD: Add drive space to your laptop by connecting to a SATA 2.5" SATA SSD or HDD using this SATA to USB cable. You can connect to an external drive to: add storage, perform backups, create disk images, implement data recoveries, and transfer content to your laptop. Cable will work ONLY with 2.5" SATA drives.❌3.5"/5.25" and M.2 drives are NOT SUPPORTED.
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0: Data transfer rates of up to 6Gbps only for SSD. USB 3.0 version, supports data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps, Backward compatible with USB 2.0 / 1.1. (Note: actual rate will depend on the capability of your device.)
- UASP Function: Provides faster transfers up to 70% faster read speeds and 40% faster write speeds over traditional USB 3.0
- SAVE TIME: The hard drive transfer cable lets you easily swap between drives with no need to install the drive inside an enclosure. It’s plug-and-play and doesn’t require drivers.
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- USB-A & USB-C Dual Interface – Connect a 2.5" SATA SSD or HDD to your laptop or desktop through either a USB-A or USB-C port. USB 3.0 delivers data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps, so you can move large files quickly without waiting.
- Up to 6TB Capacity – Works with 2.5" SATA I/II/III SSDs and HDDs up to 6TB, including drives from Seagate, WD, Hitachi, and Toshiba. Plug in and go on Windows, macOS, and Linux with no drivers needed.
- Plug & Play, No Drivers – Slide your drive into the SATA connector, plug the USB end into your PC, and it's ready. Hot-swappable design lets you swap drives in seconds, with bright LED indicators confirming the connection is live.
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Troubleshoot connection problems
- Excel says a component is missing: Microsoft Support points Windows users to the appropriate MySQL ODBC driver in this situation. Match the driver to your Excel installation and follow current official installation instructions rather than assuming a particular driver is required in every setup.
- The server cannot be reached: Check that the computer or service executing the query has network access to the MySQL server and that the server and database details are correct. Ask your database administrator about environment-specific network controls; the documentation does not establish universal firewall settings.
- Authentication fails or data is unavailable: Confirm that the credentials work and are authorized for the tables you intend to retrieve. Avoid requesting access to unrelated tables.
- A cloud or gateway connection fails: Verify the deployment-specific Connector/NET and gateway requirements in Microsoft’s connector documentation. Desktop Excel and Power Query Online or gateway deployments do not necessarily share prerequisites.
- An encryption prompt appears: Microsoft’s connector documentation describes a prompt for an unencrypted connection. For a real deployment, ask the database administrator to configure and verify encryption appropriate to the environment; do not treat bypassing encryption as the normal fix.
- The workbook imports more data than needed: Narrow the selection in Navigator or Power Query, use a native SQL statement where suitable, or use Microsoft Query’s column selection and filtering. Retrieving only the needed data makes the query’s intent clearer.
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