Semantic Model Connection Issue

Hi Anonymous ,

The issue typically occurs when the report is connected to a Power BI semantic model (dataset) that you no longer have access to, or the dataset itself has been moved, renamed, or deleted.

Here are a few steps you can try to resolve it:

1. Verify Access:
Confirm that you still have Build permission on the semantic model (dataset) the report is connected to.
If it’s shared from another workspace, ensure you have access to that workspace as well.

2. Reconnect the Data Source (if access is lost):
Open the .pbix file in Power BI Desktop (not Service).
Go to File > Options and settings > Data source settings, and Clear Permissions for the old model.
Then, reconnect to the correct dataset via Home > Transform data > Data source settings > Change Source.

3. White Screen on Edit:
This often happens if Power BI Desktop is trying to load metadata from a model you can’t access.
Try opening Power BI Desktop → File > Options > Preview features → temporarily disable DirectQuery for Power BI datasets and Power BI Analysis Services (AS) → restart Power BI and reopen the file.

4. If it’s a shared report from Power BI Service:
Ask the dataset owner to verify the dataset is active and permissions are correctly assigned.
They can re-share the dataset with you or re-publish it if needed.

Happy to help!
Disha Shree | LinkedIn
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