Beginner learning path for Power BI Desktop

[mitranjan_fabri]

Hi everyone,

I am a computer science student and new to Power BI.
I have started learning Power BI through Microsoft Learn modules.

Could you please suggest the correct beginner learning order
and key topics to focus on in Power BI Desktop (data modeling, visuals, basics of DAX)?

Thank you for your guidance.

[krishnakanth240]

Hi @mitranjan_fabri 

1. Microsoft Learn
Get started with Power BI Desktop – Basics, UI, first report
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/desktop-getting-started

Power Query
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-query/

Model Data
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/model-data-power-bi/

Use DAX in Power BI
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/dax-power-bi/

DAX Basics (30-minute quick start)
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/quickstart-learn-dax-basics-in-30-minutes-51744643-c2a5-4...

2.YouTube
> Power BI Full Course
https://youtu.be/2FlVADp6PCw?si=QsRvHgxOV3kYR7AC

> Power BI Course
https://youtu.be/weAmHoAKjCc?si=Vtk6soBnhE471QZW
> Power Query Course
https://youtu.be/VO-MyVMKUC4?si=QbGrCQTjHExWxdfc
> Power BI DAX Course
https://youtu.be/yTOSOgUGKe4?si=kKiG6WefXb6klpC_
> Power BI Service Course
https://youtu.be/fmmQ4bhLfbo?si=DB9NSu4yKQh1Sff6

3.Udemy
> Power BI Desktop – Beginner to Advanced (Maven Analytics)
https://www.udemy.com/course/microsoft-power-bi-up-running-with-power-bi-desktop/

Recommended Learning Order
Power BI Desktop basics
Power Query (data cleaning)
Data modeling
Visuals & dashboards
DAX basics

[ajaybabuinturi]

Hi @mitranjan_fabri,

Below is a clear, beginner-friendly learning path focused on Power BI Desktop.
1. Power BI Fundamentals: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/courses/pl-300t00 
2. Learn DAX Basics: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/transform-model/desktop-quickstart-learn-dax-basics
3. Use DAX in Semantic Models: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-in/training/paths/dax-power-bi
4.Tutorial: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/power-bi/power-bi-tutorial

Thanks,
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[cengizhanarslan · Accepted solution]

Start with the basics of Power BI Desktop. Learn how to load data (Excel/CSV), understand the interface, and build very simple visuals. Don’t worry about DAX yet — just focus on getting data in and seeing it on a report page. Ypu can also use AdvantureWorks or Contoso dataset for practice.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/samples/adventureworks-install-configure?view=sql-server-ver17...

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=18279

Next, spend time on data modeling. This is one of the most important skills in Power BI. Learn what a fact table and dimension table are, how to create relationships, and why star schema matters. Also learn basic concepts like cardinality and filter direction. Good models make everything else easier.

After that, move on to visuals and report design. Learn when to use tables, matrices, bar/line charts, slicers, and cards. Practice using filters, slicers, drill-down, and tooltips. Try to keep reports simple and readable — layout and clarity matter a lot.

Once you’re comfortable with modeling and visuals, start learning basic DAX. Begin with simple measures like SUM, COUNT, DISTINCTCOUNT, and then move to CALCULATE, filter context, and time intelligence (YTD, MTD). Understanding row context vs filter context is key here.

Finally, explore publishing and Power BI Service basics. Learn how to publish a report, understand datasets vs reports, basic sharing, and refresh concepts. You don’t need to master this early, but it helps complete the picture.

[v-tejrama]

Hi @mitranjan_fabri ,

Thank you @cengizhanarslan  for the response provided!

Has your issue been resolved? If the response provided by the community member addressed your query, could you please confirm? It helps us ensure that the solutions provided are effective and beneficial for everyone.

Thank you.

[v-tejrama]

Hi @mitranjan_fabri ,

I wanted to check if you had the opportunity to review the information provided. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.

Thank you.