Setting up Power BI
- 2/25/2026
- Practice files
- Install and set up Power BI Desktop
- Explore Power BI Desktop interface
- Configure Power BI Desktop settings
- Skills review
- Practice tasks
Install and set up Power BI Desktop
Before building your first report, you’ll need to install Power BI Desktop. In this section, you’ll learn the two installation methods, how to verify that your computer meets the system requirements, and what to expect the first time you launch the application.
Power BI Desktop installation options
You can install Power BI Desktop in two ways:
Install from the Microsoft Store.
Download an executable file (.exe) from the Power BI website.
Both options will give you the latest version, but they work slightly differently and offer different advantages.
IMPORTANT
Power BI Desktop is updated every month, incorporating community feedback, new features, performance improvements, and visual enhancements.
Install from the Microsoft Store
The most recommended and easiest way to install Power BI Desktop is from Microsoft Store. You don’t need administrator permissions, and updates are performed automatically, ensuring you always have the latest version.
To install
Open your browser and go to the Power BI Desktop page in the Microsoft Store.
Select Install to download and install the app.
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After it is installed, you can launch Power BI Desktop from the Start menu or directly from the Microsoft Store.
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You can also access the Microsoft Store link from the Power BI service. Just select the Download icon in the upper-right corner; then select Power BI Desktop.
Accessing Microsoft Store from Power BI Service.
Installing from the Microsoft Store is the easiest and most convenient option. It provides automatic updates, does not require administrator rights, simplifies implementation across the organization, and reduces the download size by updating only the modified components. It also automatically detects your system language and applies it to both the interface and the data model.
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Installing Power BI Desktop from the Microsoft Store doesn’t copy user settings from the .exe version. You might have to reconnect to your recent data sources and reenter your credentials.
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If you use SAP connectors, you might need to move driver files manually to C:\Windows\System32.
Download as an executable file
If you prefer not to use the Microsoft Store, you can download the .exe installer from the Power BI Download Center.
To install
Visit the Power BI Desktop Download Center page.
Use the dropdown list to choose the language for the installation file and select Download.
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Select the appropriate version and select Download.
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IMPORTANT
Microsoft announced the end of support for the 32-bit version of Power BI Desktop on July 31, 2025. Only the 64-bit version is now available; it offers better performance and is compatible with most modern systems.
Once the download is complete, double-click the file to run the installer and click Next.
Power BI Desktop Setup wizard.
Windows will ask you to allow the app to make changes to your device. Click Yes to continue with the installation.
IMPORTANT
You must have administrator privileges to complete this step.
You’ll be asked to accept the Microsoft Software License Terms. Review the license agreement. To proceed, you must check the box I accept the terms in the License Agreement and then select Next.
Choose the Installation Folder and select Next.
Destination Folder.
You’ll see a summary screen confirming you’re ready to install Power BI Desktop. Here, you can also choose whether to create a desktop shortcut (enabled by default). Select Install to begin the process.
Installing Power BI Desktop.
IMPORTANT
Do not install both the Microsoft Store version and the executable version at the same time. Uninstall one before switching to the other.
Downloading Power BI Desktop as an executable file offers greater flexibility and control, allows portable installations, and supports command-line deployment. This executable file can be reused on multiple computers. In addition, it can provide access to previous versions for compatibility or testing purposes, which is especially useful for advanced users or enterprise environments.
System requirements
Before installing, check that your PC meets the minimum requirements.
IMPORTANT
Power BI Desktop is no longer supported on Windows 8.1 or earlier.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
Operating system |
Windows 10, Windows Server 2016 or later |
.NET |
.NET 4.7.2 or later |
Memory (RAM) |
Minimum 2 GB, 4 GB or more recommended |
Display resolution |
At least 1440x900 (16:9); lower resolutions are not supported |
CPU |
1 GHz or faster, 64-bit processor or better recommended |
WebView2 runtime |
Required. If not installed, download from Microsoft Edge Developer page |
IMPORTANT
Power BI Desktop is available only for Windows. If you’re using a Mac, you can access the Power BI Service through a web browser to view and interact with published reports. If you need to create or model data, you can run Power BI Desktop using a virtual machine or Windows emulator.
Start Power BI Desktop
IMPORTANT
After you launch the installation package, Power BI Desktop installs as a standard Windows application that you can launch from the Start menu like any other app.
When you open Power BI Desktop for the first time, a welcome screen appears, designed to help you quickly begin your work. At the top, under the heading “Select a data source or start with a blank report,” you’ll see several common options such as starting with a Blank report or connecting to a OneLake catalog, an Excel workbook, a SQL Server, or even sample data. If you don’t see the source you need, you can select Get data from other sources to access the full list of available connectors.
SEE ALSO
To learn how to connect to and import data from these sources, see Chapter 3, “Importing data.”
Below that list, a Recommended section offers helpful resources to get you started, like tutorials or Power BI content that links to Microsoft learning material. At the bottom of the screen, the Recent and Shared with me tabs help you reopen reports you’ve worked on or that others have shared with you.
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If this is a fresh install (not an upgrade), you may be asked to
Sign in with a work or school account.
Fill out a short form to proceed without signing in.
After that, you’re ready to build and publish your first report.
Sign in to Power BI Desktop
You can use Power BI Desktop without signing in, even if you don’t have a Power BI user license. However, the following features require that you sign in with a valid work or school account:
Connect to online data sources (e.g., SharePoint Online, Microsoft Dataverse).
Publish reports to the Power BI Service.
Use tenant-specific features like organizational visuals.
Apply sensitivity labels or access other premium capabilities.
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If you’re just learning or building reports locally, you can skip the sign-in process. But when you’re ready to share, you’ll need to be signed in.
To sign in
In the top-right corner of Power BI Desktop, select Sign in.
Enter your work or school email address.
IMPORTANT
Power BI does not support personal email accounts such as @gmail.com, @outlook.com, or @yahoo.com for sign-in. You must use a valid work or school account.
Complete the login process (typically through your organization’s Microsoft 365 portal).
After you’re signed in, you will see your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner of the window.
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You can also sign out or switch accounts anytime by selecting your profile icon in the same location.