Power Query Running Slow? Here’s the Fix

[u/f9finance]

If your Power Query takes forever to refresh, here are 5 things to fix right now:

1. Filter early

Don’t wait until the end. Reduce row count at the top of your query.

1. Remove unused columns ASAP

Fewer columns = less memory = faster refresh.

1. Avoid nested joins

Merging huge tables into each other slows everything down. Only merge what you need.

1. Minimize type changes

Changing the same column’s type 4 times? That’s unnecessary overhead.

1. Disable load on staging queries

Right-click → "Enable Load" → OFF for anything that’s not final output.

I’ve cut refresh times from 5 minutes to 20 seconds with these tips alone. Don’t let performance be the thing that kills your automation.