How to Install Power BI Desktop
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Power BI Desktop is Microsoft’s free Windows application for creating data models and interactive reports. If you are attending an ExperTrain Power BI course, or you are installing Power BI for the first time, this guide explains how to download, install and check Power BI Desktop before you begin.
Quick answer: For most users, the easiest option is to install Power BI Desktop from the Microsoft Store. It updates automatically and does not require administrator rights. Microsoft also provides a direct 64-bit installer if the Store is unavailable.
What is Power BI Desktop?
Power BI Desktop is the main Windows application used to connect to data, transform it with Power Query, build data models and create Power BI reports. The application itself is free to download from Microsoft.
If you are attending one of our live online Power BI courses, we recommend installing and opening Power BI Desktop several days before the course. This gives you time to resolve any permissions or IT issues before the session starts.
Before you install Power BI Desktop
Microsoft currently lists the following minimum requirements for Power BI Desktop:
- Operating system: Windows 10 or Windows Server 2016 or later. Windows 11 is also supported.
- Processor: A 1 GHz 64-bit (x64) processor or better is recommended.
- Memory: At least 2 GB of available RAM, with 4 GB or more recommended.
- Display: At least 1440 × 900 or 1600 × 900.
- .NET: .NET 4.7.2 or later.
- Browser component: Microsoft Edge. WebView2 may also be required if it is not already installed.
Microsoft’s requirements can change, so for the latest technical information see the official Power BI Desktop download and installation guidance.
Using a work laptop?
If your computer is managed by your organisation, software installation may be restricted. We strongly recommend checking this before your course date. If necessary, ask your IT team to install Power BI Desktop for you or confirm that you have permission to install it yourself.
Choose how to install Power BI Desktop
Microsoft provides two main installation methods.
Option 1: Microsoft Store - recommended for most users
The Microsoft Store version is usually the simplest choice. According to Microsoft, it offers several advantages:
- Power BI Desktop updates automatically in the background.
- Updates are generally smaller because only changed components are downloaded.
- Administrator rights are not required for installation.
- It is easier for organisations to deploy centrally.
Option 2: Direct download
You can also download the Power BI Desktop installer directly from Microsoft as an executable file. This is useful if the Microsoft Store is unavailable or blocked by your organisation.
Important: Use the 64-bit version. Microsoft no longer supports the 32-bit version of Power BI Desktop.
How to install Power BI Desktop from the Microsoft Store
- Go to Microsoft’s Power BI Desktop download page.
- Choose the option to open Power BI Desktop in the Microsoft Store.
- Select Install.
- Wait for Windows to download and install the application.
- Open Power BI Desktop from the Windows Start menu.
Once installed from the Microsoft Store, Windows will normally keep Power BI Desktop updated automatically.
How to install Power BI Desktop using the direct download
- Open Microsoft’s official installation page.
- Choose the direct download option.
- Select the latest 64-bit version.
- Run the downloaded Power BI Desktop setup file.
- Follow the installation wizard to complete the setup.
- Open Power BI Desktop from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
The direct installer normally requires administrator privileges. If you cannot run it on a work computer, contact your IT team.
Check that Power BI Desktop works
After installation, open Power BI Desktop. If the application opens normally and displays the start screen, the installation has been successful.
You should be able to access options such as Get Data, recent files and the option to open an existing report. You do not need to create a report before attending an introductory course. The important thing is to make sure the program opens correctly.
Check which version you have installed
Microsoft releases Power BI Desktop updates every month and recommends using the latest version. Only the latest release is supported by Microsoft.
To check your installed version:
- Open Power BI Desktop.
- Select Help on the ribbon.
- Select About.
- Check the version number shown.
If your installation is several releases behind, update it before your course where possible.
Before attending an ExperTrain Power BI course
To avoid losing training time at the beginning of the session, please complete these checks in advance:
- Install Power BI Desktop several days before the course.
- Open the application at least once to confirm that it starts correctly.
- Use the latest available 64-bit version wherever possible.
- If you are using a company laptop, check whether downloads or software installations are restricted.
- Make sure you can save files locally on the computer you will use for the course.
If your organisation manages software centrally, send this page to your IT team in advance so they have time to prepare your computer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Power BI Desktop free?
Yes. Power BI Desktop is free to download and install from Microsoft. Some online Power BI services and sharing features may require a separate Power BI licence, but you do not need to purchase Power BI Desktop itself.
Should I use the Microsoft Store or the direct download?
For most users, the Microsoft Store is the easiest option because it provides automatic updates and does not require administrator rights. The direct download is useful when the Store is unavailable or when an organisation manages software installation manually.
Do I need administrator rights?
Not if you install Power BI Desktop from the Microsoft Store. The direct executable installer does require administrator privileges.
Which version should I install?
Install the latest 64-bit version. The 32-bit version is no longer supported by Microsoft.
How often is Power BI Desktop updated?
Microsoft releases Power BI Desktop monthly. Keeping it current gives you the latest features, fixes and compatibility improvements.
How do I check my Power BI Desktop version?
Open Power BI Desktop and select Help > About. The version number is displayed in the About window.
Can I install Power BI Desktop on a Mac?
Power BI Desktop is a Windows application. If you use a Mac, you would need access to a suitable Windows environment to run the desktop application. If you are attending a course, contact us before the course if you are unsure whether your setup will be suitable.
What should I do if Power BI Desktop will not install or open?
First check that your computer meets Microsoft’s current requirements and that your Windows installation is up to date. On a managed work computer, contact your IT team because security policies may prevent installation or restrict required components such as WebView2.
Ready to learn Power BI?
Once Power BI Desktop is installed and working, you are ready to start building reports. ExperTrain offers live instructor-led Power BI training from introductory through to advanced level.
Explore our Power BI training courses to compare the different levels and find the most suitable course for you.
Ready to build your Power BI skills? Explore our live instructor-led courses on the Power BI training hub.
Need a quick explanation of a Power BI term, feature or concept?
Browse our free Power BI GlossaryFound this guide useful? Add ExperTrain as a Preferred Source on Google to help surface more of our training guides, articles and learning resources.
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