Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To bring MySQL data into Excel, use Power Query’s MySQL connector for an import you can transform and refresh, use MySQL Connector/ODBC with Microsoft Query to retrieve selected fields, or export a CSV or Excel XML file from MySQL Workbench for a one-time snapshot. The right option depends on your Excel version, the drivers available in your setup, how you authenticate and reach the server, and whether you need to repeat the query.
Choose a connection method
| Your goal | Start with | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Import and transform MySQL data in Excel | Power Query’s MySQL connector | Your Excel edition, any connector component it requests, credentials, and access to the server. Microsoft’s MySQL database connector documentation describes the workflow and its options; Microsoft Support’s external-data guidance addresses a missing-component prompt. |
| Query chosen columns, with filters or sorting, through an ODBC data source | MySQL Connector/ODBC with Microsoft Query | The appropriate ODBC driver and a configured data source. Current Excel menus may differ from those in older instructions. MySQL’s Microsoft Query guidance explains the ODBC workflow. |
| Save a point-in-time copy without setting up a workbook connection | MySQL Workbench result-grid export | Whether manually repeating the export is acceptable. Workbench can export result-grid data to CSV and Excel XML, among other formats. MySQL Workbench’s export documentation describes the available formats. |
Power Query and Microsoft Query are query-based routes; a Workbench export creates a file. The cited documentation describes features and workflows, not a controlled speed comparison, so choose based on your requirements rather than assuming one route is faster.
Connect with Power Query
Power Query is a good starting point when you want to choose MySQL data, transform it in Excel, and retain a query that can be refreshed. Microsoft documents entering the server and database, providing credentials, selecting data in Navigator, and loading it or transforming it in Power Query. The connector also offers advanced options, including a native SQL statement and command timeout.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute- In Excel, open the Data tab and look for the current Get Data or database-source options. Choose the MySQL database connector. Labels and availability can vary by Excel version.
- Enter the MySQL server and database details requested by the connector, then provide credentials authorized for the data you need.
- In Navigator, select the relevant data. Choose to load it into Excel or transform it in Power Query before loading.
- If you need a defined subset, use Power Query’s available filtering and transformation steps or its advanced native SQL statement option. Retrieve only the data needed for the workbook.
- After loading, use Excel’s query or connection refresh controls to run the query again. Confirm that the server remains reachable and that the credentials are still valid.
Check the connector requirements for your deployment
Do not assume every Excel installation requires the same component. Microsoft identifies Oracle MySQL Connector/NET as required for Power BI Desktop and for certain Power Query Online or Power BI service gateway deployments. For an on-premises server that requires a gateway, Microsoft specifies a standard-mode gateway rather than personal mode. Separately, Microsoft Support says an appropriate MySQL ODBC driver may be needed on Windows if Excel reports that additional components are missing. Follow the requirement shown for your Excel edition and deployment, and match any driver to the Excel installation.
#1 Best Overall
- 2.5" SATA Drives Only — SSD & HDD: Compatible with 2.5" SATA I/II/III SSDs and laptop HDDs. NOT compatible with: M.2 NVMe drives, M.2 SATA drives, 3.5" desktop HDDs, or slim SATA optical drives. Verify your drive has a standard 2.5" SATA connector before purchasing.
- 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
Handle encryption prompts carefully
Microsoft’s connector documentation describes an encryption prompt for an unencrypted connection. In a real deployment, ask the database administrator to configure and verify encryption appropriate to the environment. Do not treat bypassing encryption as the routine fix for a connection prompt.
Query through ODBC and Microsoft Query
Use this route when an ODBC-based query fits your existing environment or when you want to select fields and apply query criteria before returning results to a worksheet. MySQL’s Connector/ODBC guide documents using Microsoft Query with an ODBC data source: the wizard can select columns and optionally filter and sort rows. The guide describes executing MySQL queries from Excel and importing results as worksheet rows and columns.
Rank #2
- 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 Connector/ODBC driver and an ODBC data source for the server. Use current official installation guidance and the settings supplied by your database administrator.
- In Excel, look under the current Data or Get Data options for an ODBC connection. If your installation provides the legacy Microsoft Query route, use that option to select the data source.
- Choose the columns you need, then apply filters or sorting in the query wizard if appropriate.
- Return the results to a worksheet and use the connection’s refresh controls if you need to run the query again.
Menu names in older Connector/ODBC instructions may not match a current Excel release. If you cannot find Microsoft Query, check the Data/Get Data options in your edition rather than assuming the feature is absent from all versions.
Export a snapshot from MySQL Workbench
For a one-time transfer, MySQL Workbench can export table data from a result grid to CSV or Excel XML, among other formats. This avoids configuring a live workbook connection, but the saved file is a point-in-time copy: it does not inherently refresh from MySQL. Repeat the export when you need an updated snapshot.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY - Exclusive BENFEI Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely.
Rank #4
- 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.
- 14-Inch Cable, Travel-Friendly – The compact converter with a 14-inch SATA cable tucks easily into your laptop bag. Lightweight design makes it a handy tool for data recovery on the go or quick backups while traveling.
- Safe & Reliable, Single Drive – Built-in ASM1153E chip with reinforced connectors keeps your drive safe, automatically matching power needs to prevent overcharging, overheating, and short circuits. Supports one drive at a time; for 2.5" SATA drives only.
Rank #3
- 【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
- 【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
- 【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
- 【Slim and Portable】: The usb to sata adapter designed as portable as possible and tucks easily into the pocket of your laptop bag, you can use it anywhere with no external power required ( 2.5" SSD/HDD Only)
- 【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
- Run or open the needed data in MySQL Workbench’s result grid.
- Use the result-grid export control and choose CSV or Excel XML, depending on how you plan to open or process the file.
- Open the exported file in Excel and check that the columns and values are represented as expected.
Troubleshoot a failed connection
- Excel reports a missing component: On Windows, Microsoft Support points to an appropriate MySQL ODBC driver for this error. Confirm the requirement for your Excel build and match the driver to that installation; do not install a component based only on instructions for a different deployment.
- The server cannot be reached: Verify that the computer or service running the query can reach the MySQL server and that the server and database details are correct. Network access and firewall settings depend on your environment; ask the database administrator for the approved connection details rather than guessing rules.
- Authentication fails or data is unavailable: Check that the credentials are valid and authorized for the intended tables. The connector and query workflows require credentials and server access, but permissions must be set by your organization.
- A cloud or gateway workflow fails despite working on a desktop: Check the Connector/NET and gateway requirements for that specific Power Query Online or Power BI service deployment. For an on-premises server requiring a gateway, verify that it is in standard mode.
- The connection prompts about encryption: Ask the database administrator to confirm the appropriate encrypted connection configuration instead of bypassing the prompt as a general workaround.
- The workbook retrieves too much data: Narrow the selection using Power Query’s native SQL option or Microsoft Query’s column selection and filtering features.
What to decide before you start
- Refresh or snapshot: Choose Power Query or an ODBC query workflow when you want a repeatable connection; choose a Workbench export when a manually updated file is enough.
- Excel edition and platform: Check that the connection option and any required driver are available for your exact installation.
- Where the query runs: A desktop connection and a cloud or gateway deployment may have different component requirements.
- What data you need: Select only necessary tables and fields, and use filtering or SQL when a defined subset is sufficient.
- Access and security: Confirm authorized credentials, server reachability, and the encryption configuration with the people who administer the database.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
