Forum Discussion
Helper VHow to create a connection to a database with integrated credentials and then use it in PBI Desktop?
Hi all!
On Power BI, is it possible to create a connection to a database that already includes credentials, so that a user in Power BI Desktop can directly use that connection without needing to provide access credentials?
My user should be able to connect to the database and create their report without having access to the login credentials.
Thanks
Hi Fern_21,
Users can ONLY access the tables you include in the Dataflow.
When users connect to your Dataflow in Power BI Desktop, they can:
Import only the entities (tables) inside the Dataflow
Build their own model on top of those tables
Combine with other local files (Excel, CSV, etc.) if they want
14 Replies
rohit1991Super User
Hii Fern_21
Desktop always connects to a database using the credentials of the person who is running Desktop, and it will always ask them to authenticate.If you want users to connect without entering credentials, this is only possible in Power BI Service using a Gateway + SSO (Kerberos/Entra ID).
There is no method or workaround to pass integrated credentials automatically into Power BI Desktop.- rohit1991
Hii Fern_21
In Power BI Service, a user can only build a report from an already-published dataset.
They can go to Get Data >> select the existing dataset >> Create report and design it in the browser.But connecting to a new database, creating a new data model, or using Import/DirectQuery is only possible in Power BI Desktop.
Power BI Service cannot create new connections so Desktop is still required.
- grazitti_sapna
Hi Fern_21,
Not possible while creating a connection but you can achieve is by either created a shared dataset or by creating a semantic model and sharing the access to users.
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Let’s keep building smarter solutions together! - Praful_Potphode
Hi Fern_21 ,
Directly creating a file (like a .pbix or .pbids) with embedded database credentials for another user to open and use in Power BI Desktop is not possible for security reasons.
To avoid giving access to database for all the users in organization, one person with database access can load
all the data in pbix in import mode and then share it with all users.in this approach, users will require access to semantic model not the database.this approach is known as self service bi.there are lot of articles on it.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/service-datasets-manage-access-permissions
https://radacad.com/power-bi-user-access-levels-build-and-edit-are-different/
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/service-datasets-across-workspaces
Please give kudos or mark it as solution once confirmed.
Thanks and Regards,
Praful
Fern_21Hi Praful_Potphode and grazitti_sapna !
If I create a semantic model and share it with the user, they can only connect in live connection mode and there are limitations. Isn't there a way to use a dataflow?
Thanks- grazitti_sapna
Fern_21, yes you can use a dataflow or fabric lakehouse to achieve it
v-prasareCommunity Support
Hi Fern_21,
We would like to confirm if our community members answer resolves your query or if you need further help. If you still have any questions or need more support, please feel free to let us know. We are happy to help you.
Thank you for your patience and look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
Prashanth Are
MS Fabric community support- v-prasare
Hi Fern_21,
We would like to confirm if our community members answer resolves your query or if you need further help. If you still have any questions or need more support, please feel free to let us know. We are happy to help you.
Thank you for your patience and look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
Prashanth Are
MS Fabric community support
