Power Query, Microsoft’s powerful data transformation engine within Excel, has transformed static spreadsheets into dynamic, connected business tools. With Microsoft’s latest updates to Excel in July 2025, particularly around Power Query’s functionality in the web version of Excel, the need for structured deployment and governance has become more urgent.
This is where SpreadsheetWeb becomes essential. It allows organizations to convert complex, data-driven Excel workbooks into secure, interactive web applications that maintain all underlying Excel logic, including Power Query functionality.
This article highlights the importance of Power Query, summarizes the most recent enhancements, explains the risks of spreadsheet sprawl, and demonstrates how SpreadsheetWeb bridges the gap between spreadsheet flexibility and enterprise-level control.
Power Query: The Engine Behind Modern Excel Workflows
Power Query is Microsoft’s integrated tool for connecting, transforming, and preparing data for analysis in Excel and Power BI. It enables users to connect to a variety of data sources including databases, cloud services, APIs, and flat files. Users can then clean, shape, and merge data using a visual interface or through M-code scripting.
Power Query helps organizations to:
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Automate the process of importing and transforming data from multiple sources
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Reduce manual work through repeatable logic and scheduled refreshes
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Maintain clean and structured datasets that are ready for reporting or modeling
Whether used for financial reporting, operational dashboards, or forecasting models, Power Query turns Excel into a full-fledged data processing platform.
July 2025 Updates: Bringing Power Query to the Web
In July 2025, Microsoft released significant updates that improved the web-based capabilities of Excel, particularly for Power Query:
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Excel for the web now supports authenticated Power Query refresh. Users can pull live data from secure sources such as SQL Server, SharePoint, Azure, Salesforce, and Dataverse. They can also manage credentials and authentication methods directly in the browser.
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A redesigned “Get Data” experience in Excel for Windows Insider builds introduces smart search, suggested connections, and access to OneLake organizational data catalogs. This helps users quickly find and connect to enterprise datasets.
These updates are part of a broader effort to align the capabilities of Excel on the web with those of the desktop version. They also reflect Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing data accessibility and automation for cloud-first environments.
The Risk of Spreadsheet Sprawl
Although Excel is a powerful and familiar tool, unmanaged spreadsheets often evolve into distributed applications that are not subject to IT governance. This results in what is known as spreadsheet sprawl, where uncontrolled copies of workbooks are shared across teams and devices.
Key issues include:
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Inconsistent versions leading to data discrepancies and operational errors
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Security vulnerabilities due to sensitive data being stored in unprotected locations
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Collaboration inefficiencies as users struggle to reconcile changes across multiple files
The core issue is that spreadsheets are often used as applications, yet they are treated as files. This disconnect creates compliance challenges and hampers scalability. Organizations must find a way to retain the power and flexibility of Excel while applying centralized control and modern infrastructure.
How SpreadsheetWeb Transforms Spreadsheets into Web Applications
SpreadsheetWeb addresses the challenges of spreadsheet sprawl by turning Excel workbooks into secure, browser-based applications. These applications maintain the original Excel logic, including formulas, named ranges, and most importantly, Power Query functionality.
Key benefits include:
Centralized Logic and Version Control: Users no longer need to email spreadsheets or store them on local drives. A single version of the workbook is hosted centrally, ensuring consistency and control.
Real-Time Power Query Execution: SpreadsheetWeb supports the execution of Power Query connections and scripts at runtime. This means the application can pull and transform live data as users interact with the system, delivering up-to-date results just like Excel on the desktop.
Structured Data Storage and Governance: Instead of embedding user data within files, SpreadsheetWeb captures all inputs and transactions in a secure database. This allows for audit trails, regulatory compliance, and centralized reporting.
Role-Based Access and Collaboration: Multiple users can access the same application simultaneously, with role-based permissions and session isolation. Each user sees only the data they are authorized to view, supporting enterprise workflows and collaboration.
No-Code Deployment for Business Users: SpreadsheetWeb enables non-developers to deploy web applications by using the Excel models they already manage. There is no need to rewrite logic or learn a new development framework.
Summary
Power Query has redefined what Excel can do by introducing robust data transformation and automation capabilities. The July 2025 enhancements demonstrate Microsoft’s commitment to bringing these capabilities to the web and expanding Excel’s role in the modern data ecosystem.
At the same time, the growing complexity and reach of spreadsheet-based tools introduce serious challenges related to governance, scalability, and compliance. SpreadsheetWeb provides a practical and powerful solution by allowing organizations to convert their Excel models into structured, scalable, and secure web applications that fully support Power Query at runtime.
By adopting SpreadsheetWeb, businesses can preserve the familiarity and flexibility of Excel while eliminating the risks of spreadsheet sprawl. This unlocks a new level of operational efficiency and data control, paving the way for a smarter, more secure digital future.
