---
sourceDocument: Australia API Reference
sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/api-reference

 Release :

    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia API Reference

ft:clusterId :

    - crapiref

bundleId :

    - crapiref

workflow :

    - Creator


---

# Connect Power BI Desktop to ODBC driver

# Connect Power BI Desktop to ODBC driver {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated March 4, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
Connect Power BI Desktop to your ServiceNow instance using the ODBC driver to access and analyze ServiceNow data. Create dashboards and reports that visualize your ServiceNow data.

## Before you begin

* The Live Connect plugin is installed on your ServiceNow instance.
* The ServiceNow ODBC driver is installed and configured on your client machine.
* You have a personal user account or service account with the sn_odbc_rest_access role assigned.
* Access Control Lists (ACLs) are configured for the tables you must query.
* IP filter criteria are configured to allow connections from your client machine.

Role required: admin

## About this task

Note:  
Step-by-step instructions for third-party tools are illustrative. Consult tool-specific documentation for the latest updates. Power BI Desktop is solely used as an example.

This connection enables you to query ServiceNow data directly without requiring data export or replication. You can combine ServiceNow data with other data sources in your analysis.

## Procedure

1. Open Power BI Desktop on your client machine.
2. Navigate to HomeGet DataMore.  
3. In the Get Data dialog, search for <kbd class="ph userinput">ODBC</kbd>.  
4. Select ODBCand then select Connect.
5. In the From ODBC dialog box, select your configured ServiceNow ODBC data source name (DSN) from the Data source name (DSN) list.  
6. Select Advanced options.
7. In the SQL statement (optional) field, enter your Live Connect query.
8. **Optional:** From the Supported row reduction clauses (optional) menu, select TOP.  
   This limits the number of rows returned in your query, which reduces data transfer and improve performance.
9. Select OK.  
   Skip the username, password, and credentials connection string properties fields. Your authentication method (Basic or OAuth) is already configured in your ODBC DSN and will be used automatically. The connection uses the user account you specified during DSN setup.

   A preview of your data appears in a new window. Only tables for which you have configured egress_sql and read ACLs
   will be visible and accessible.
10. Do one of the following:
    * To import the data directly into Power BI, select Load.
    * To open the Power Query Editor and modify the data before loading, select Transform Data.

## Result

Power BI Desktop is now connected to your ServiceNow instance via the ODBC driver. You can create visualizations, reports, and dashboards using your ServiceNow data. The connection respects all ServiceNow security controls, including ACLs and role-based access restrictions.

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