The correct approach is to use 'Get Data from SharePoint Online Folder' and then combine files using 'Combine & Transform Data'. This works because the SharePoint Online Folder connector in Power Query retrieves metadata for all files in the folder dynamically, and the 'Combine & Transform Data' action applies a sample file transformation to every file with the same structure. When you refresh the query, Power Query re-reads the folder contents, automatically including any new files added to the library without requiring manual updates. On the PL-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of dynamic data sources versus static imports—a common trap is selecting 'Get Data from SharePoint Online List' or manually combining files, which would not auto-include new files. Remember the key distinction: folder-level connectors treat the source as a live directory, while file-level connectors lock you into a static set. Memory tip: think "Folder = Future files" to recall that folder-based queries automatically expand with new additions.
PL-300 Prepare the data Practice Question
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of prepare the data. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
You are using Power Query to combine data from multiple Excel files stored in a SharePoint Online document library. Each file has the same structure. You need to ensure that the query automatically includes new files added to the library without manual updates. Which approach should you use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use 'Get Data from SharePoint Online Folder' and then combine files using 'Combine & Transform Data'.
Option C is correct because the 'Get Data from SharePoint Online Folder' connector in Power Query retrieves metadata for all files in the folder, and the 'Combine & Transform Data' action automatically applies a sample file transformation to all files. When new files are added to the library, refreshing the query will include them without manual intervention, as the connector dynamically reads the folder contents.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use 'Get Data from Excel' and specify each file path manually.
Why it's wrong here
Manual specification does not automatically include new files.
✗
Use 'Get Data from SQL Server' and write a query to read files.
Why it's wrong here
SQL Server cannot directly read Excel files from SharePoint.
✓
Use 'Get Data from SharePoint Online Folder' and then combine files using 'Combine & Transform Data'.
Why this is correct
This approach dynamically lists all files and can be refreshed to include new files.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use 'Get Data from SharePoint Online List' and then expand the file content.
Why it's wrong here
SharePoint Online List connector is for list data, not files.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'SharePoint Online Folder' with 'SharePoint Online List', thinking that a list can also combine files, but lists store metadata and require additional expansion steps that do not automatically handle new files with the same structure.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the SharePoint Online Folder connector uses the SharePoint REST API to enumerate files in the folder, returning a table with columns like Name, Extension, and Content. The 'Combine & Transform Data' step leverages Power Query's 'Parameter1' sample file mechanism, which applies the same transformation (e.g., promoting headers, changing data types) to all files in the folder. In real-world scenarios, this approach is ideal for periodic data ingestion from shared directories, but note that it requires the folder to contain only files with identical structure; otherwise, the combine step may fail or produce inconsistent results.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Prepare the data — This question tests Prepare the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use 'Get Data from SharePoint Online Folder' and then combine files using 'Combine & Transform Data'. — Option C is correct because the 'Get Data from SharePoint Online Folder' connector in Power Query retrieves metadata for all files in the folder, and the 'Combine & Transform Data' action automatically applies a sample file transformation to all files. When new files are added to the library, refreshing the query will include them without manual intervention, as the connector dynamically reads the folder contents.
What should I do if I get this PL-300 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Variation 1. You are combining data from multiple Excel files stored in SharePoint Online. Each file has the same structure but different data. You need to create a solution that automatically includes new files added to the SharePoint folder without manual intervention. What should you use?
easy
A.Use Power Automate to copy new files to a blob storage, then import from there.
B.Use 'Merge queries' to append each new file manually.
✓ C.Use 'Get Data from SharePoint Online Folder' and then 'Combine files' transform.
D.Use 'Get Data from SharePoint Online List' and load each file separately.
Why C: Option B is correct because the 'Combine files' transform in Power Query from a SharePoint folder automatically detects and combines all files in the folder, and when refreshed, it includes any new files. Option A is wrong because Get Data from SharePoint list does not combine files. Option C is wrong because Power Automate would require additional setup and is not native Power Query. Option D is wrong because merging queries requires manual steps each time.
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Question Discussion
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