Can not use Power Query with a shared dataset ?

[Anonymous]

Hello PowerBi Community,

Someone shared me a dataset and i have the "Read, share, build" permissions.

When I go to PBI desktop, and I try to use this dataset, I don't have the Power Query option to change the queries on the dataset. (I can not add columns and use DAX for example)

Do I need other permissions to do this ? Or maybe it is simply impossible ?

Thank you for your help !

[Anonymous]

Hi @Anonymous ,

When using Power BI Desktop connecting with dataset on Power BI Service, it is Live Connection. Thare are a few Limitations and considerations such as you can't use Power Query. For more details you could check the document.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-report-lifecycle-datasets#limitations-and-considerations 

If you want to custom the dataset, you may consider to download the .PBIX file.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/create-reports/service-export-to-pbix 

Best Regards,

Jay

[AntoineTRICHET]

Hi @Anonymous 

Yes it is just impossible. When you connect to a shared dataset you can not modify it : you can just use it to build visuals.
If you want to be able to modify the queries you have to ask the owner of the dataset to give you a .pbix copy to personnalize the queries and so build a new (different) dataset.

Have a good day

Please accept it as a solution if it solved your issue

[Anonymous]

Hello @AntoineTRICHET 

Thank you for your answer.
Do you know if it would be the same problem if the owner shared a dataflow instead of a dataset ?

[AntoineTRICHET · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous 

Sharing a dataflow could be a solution. When you connect to a dataflow you create queries and so a new dataset. So you will be able to use Power Query functionnalities.

[Anonymous]

@AntoineTRICHET 

The owner tried to share the dataflow, but after some research, it seems impossbile to share a DataFlow without granting access to the workspace right ? (the owner doesn't want to give me access to all his DataFlows obviously).

[AntoineTRICHET]

@Anonymous 

Unfortunately for you, you need to add the person to the workspace to share the dataflow with him. But you can duplicate the dataflow in another workspace.