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DevOps

Power BI Desktop Configuration

Contents

Part 1: Power BI Desktop Configuration

1.1 Enable Preview Features

Power BI Desktop must be configured to support the new .pbip format for seamless Fabric integration.

Steps:

  1. Open Power BI Desktop
  2. Navigate to File → Options and Settings → Options
  3. Go to Preview Features section
  4. Enable: “Power BI Project (.pbip) save option”

Enable Power BI Project (.pbip) Format

Figure: Enable Power BI Project (.pbip) Format

⚠️ Important Notes:

  • TMDL and PBIR options: Visible but should remain unchecked
  • Restart required: Restart Power BI Desktop after enabling
  • Compatibility: .pbip format ensures deployment pipeline compatibility

1.2 Configure Multi-Environment Parameters

Configure parameters in Power Query Editor to support multiple environments.

⚠️ Pro TIP:

  • Create a Power BI Template with these parameters to save time on new reports.

Step 1: Open Power Query Editor

  1. Click “Transform Data” in Power BI Desktop
  2. Navigate to Home → Manage Parameters

Step 2: Create Environment Parameter

Name: Environment
Description: Current deployment environment (DEV, UAT, or PROD)
Required: ✅ Checked
Type: Text
Suggested Values: List of values
  - DEV
  - UAT
  - PROD
Current Value: DEV

Step 3: Create Server Parameter

Name: SrvName
Description: Database server name based on environment
Required: ✅ Checked
Type: Text
Suggested Values: Any value
Current Value: dev-server-id.database.fabric.microsoft.com

Step 4: Create Database Parameter

Name: DbName
Description: Database name based on environment
Required: ✅ Checked
Type: Text
Suggested Values: Any value
Current Value: adventureworks-dev-workspace-id

Environment Parameter Configuration

Figure: Environment Parameter Configuration

Step 5: Apply Parameters to Data Source

  1. Navigate to your data source query
  2. Right-click on Source step → Edit Settings
  3. Configure connection:
    • Server: Select SrvName parameter
    • Database: Select DbName parameter
    • Authentication: Microsoft account or Organizational account

Apply Parameters to Data Source

Figure: Apply Parameters to Data Source

1.3 Save as Power BI Project (.pbip)

Naming Convention:

[ProjectName]_[ReportType]_[Version].pbip
Example: SalesAnalytics_Dashboard_v1.0.pbip

Folder Structure After Save:

Power BI Project Folder Structure

Figure: Power BI Project Folder Structure

Next: Fabric Environment Setup