What causes DF-Excel-WorksheetConfigMissed?

The Excel dataset was created without specifying a sheet name or sheet index in the 'Connection' settings. A pipeline parameter that should supply the sheet name is empty or null at runtime. The dataset was copied or cloned and the sheet configuration was not carried over

How do I fix DF-Excel-WorksheetConfigMissed?

Open the Excel source dataset in ADF Studio and go to the 'Connection' tab.. In the 'Sheet' field, enter either the worksheet name (e.g. 'Sheet1') or the sheet index (e.g. 1 for the first sheet).. If the sheet name is supplied at runtime via a pipeline parameter, check that the parameter has a non-null default value and is being passed correctly by the pipeline.. Save the dataset and republish — run a Debug data preview to verify the sheet is read correctly.

Medium severitydata flow

Power BI Refresh Error:
DF-Excel-WorksheetConfigMissed

What does this error mean?

The ADF Excel dataset is missing the required worksheet configuration — no sheet name or sheet index was provided, and the dataset requires one to determine which sheet to read from.

Common causes

1The Excel dataset was created without specifying a sheet name or sheet index in the 'Connection' settings
2A pipeline parameter that should supply the sheet name is empty or null at runtime
3The dataset was copied or cloned and the sheet configuration was not carried over

How to fix it

1Open the Excel source dataset in ADF Studio and go to the 'Connection' tab.
2In the 'Sheet' field, enter either the worksheet name (e.g. 'Sheet1') or the sheet index (e.g. 1 for the first sheet).
3If the sheet name is supplied at runtime via a pipeline parameter, check that the parameter has a non-null default value and is being passed correctly by the pipeline.
4Save the dataset and republish — run a Debug data preview to verify the sheet is read correctly.

Frequently asked questions

Can ADF read all sheets in an Excel file at once?

No — ADF Mapping Data Flows read one worksheet at a time. Create separate data flow sources for each sheet and union the results.

What is the default sheet if I don't specify one?

There is no default — ADF requires an explicit sheet name or index. If neither is provided, WorksheetConfigMissed is raised.

Can I pass the sheet name as a pipeline parameter?

Yes — parameterize the sheet name in the dataset and pass it from the pipeline. Ensure the parameter has a non-null default or is always provided by the trigger.

Official documentation: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/data-factory/data-flow-troubleshoot-guide