How do I keep the report URL fixed across weekly publishes/refreshes?

[nafric]

Hello. I publish the same Power BI report every week with refreshed data ( same PBIX, same workspace). I want the public/Sharable URL to stay exactly the same each time so downstream and embeds don't break. 

What's the correct approach to ensure a stable URL (e.g., Publish to web link)

Appreciate your help.

Thanks

[nafric]

@GrowthNatives Appreciate your help. Thank you. 

[GrowthNatives · Accepted solution]

Hi @nafric , that’s a very important (and often misunderstood) part of Power BI publishing how URLs behave between updates

The Key Idea

A Power BI report’s URL is tied to its report object ID, not to the PBIX file name.
If you replace an existing report within the same workspace and keep the same report name, Power BI updates the dataset and visuals behind the same report ID — meaning the URL stays identical.

If you delete the old report and re-upload a new PBIX (even with the same name), Power BI creates a new object ID → the link breaks.

Option 1: Use “Overwrite” publishing from Power BI Desktop

1. Open your PBIX file in Power BI Desktop.

2. Go to Publish → Select the same workspace → Confirm overwrite when prompted.

   • Power BI replaces the dataset and visuals under the same report object.

   • The original report URL (and any “Publish to Web” embed code) remains valid.

3. Verify the updated date in Power BI Service — same report, new data, same link.

This is the cleanest method if you’re refreshing weekly and publishing manually.

⚙️ Additional Tips & Gotchas

1. “Publish to Web” links:
If you’ve created a public embed via File → Publish to Web, the embed link is tied to that report’s internal ID.
As long as you overwrite (not delete and re-upload), the embed link stays fixed — even when data and visuals update.

2. Don’t rename the report after publishing.
Renaming changes the display name but doesn’t affect the underlying ID — so safe to rename.
However, renaming in Desktop and re-publishing under a new name creates a new report → new URL. Avoid that.

3. Use a dataset refresh instead of republishing.
If the data source and model structure are consistent, consider using a scheduled refresh in the Power BI Service instead of publishing weekly.
That way the URL is naturally stable forever — no re-publishing needed.

4. Apps and Embedded links:
If you distribute via a Power BI App, the app’s share link stays stable as long as the app exists.
Even if you update the app with a new version, the link remains the same. This is the best practice for internal users.

 Summary

Scenario URL Behavior Best Practice

Overwrite existing report in same workspace	✅ Stays the same	Use “Publish → Overwrite”
Delete and re-upload PBIX	❌ Changes	Never delete the report
Use “Publish to Web” link	✅ Stays same if report ID same	Overwrite, not recreate
Use App link	✅ Always stable	Use for internal sharing
Change workspace	❌ New URL	Keep report in same workspace

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