Forum Discussion

maheenshahid199's avatar
maheenshahid199
Regular Visitor
3 years ago
Solved

Identify and delete unused columns from all reports using shared dataset

Hello Everyone, 

My boss wants to identify and delete unused columns from all the reports which are using shared datasets(which means one dataset is using in multiple reports). Is there any way or external tool which can show those unused columns in one single time ?

 

 

 

Need Help
  • Brunner_BI's avatar
    Brunner_BI
    2 years ago

    As far as I know, Measure Killer is the only tool that can do this currently.

10 Replies

  • hummingbird's avatar
    hummingbird
    Helper II
    3 years ago

    Hi,

     

    Yes, there are a few options for identifying and deleting unused columns from shared datasets in Power BI.

    1. Power BI Helper Tool: Power BI Helper is a free tool that allows you to analyze and document Power BI reports. It has a feature called "Column Usage," which can identify unused columns in a shared dataset. You can select the shared dataset and run the Column Usage feature to see which columns are not used in any reports. You can then remove those columns from the shared dataset. This tool is available for download from the Microsoft AppSource.

    2. DAX Studio: DAX Studio is a free tool for analyzing and debugging DAX queries in Power BI. It has a "Column Usage" feature that allows you to identify which columns are not used in any measures or visuals. You can connect to the shared dataset using DAX Studio and run the Column Usage feature to see which columns are not used. You can then remove those columns from the shared dataset.

    3. Bravo for Power BI: https://www.sqlbi.com/tools/bravo-for-power-bi/ 
    • Anonymous's avatar
      Anonymous
      Not applicable
      3 years ago

      Hi hummingbird 

      I am unable to locate the "Column Usage" feature in DAX Studio as advised by you. 

      Could you please elaborate more on where and how should I be able to access it.

      Thanks

      • EarlCarroll's avatar
        EarlCarroll
        Frequent Visitor
        2 years ago

        Hi

        did you find the column usage feature? I am trying to do the same/

        Thanks

  • Sahir_Maharaj's avatar
    Sahir_Maharaj
    Super User
    3 years ago

    Hello maheenshahid199,

     

    Yes, there are a few ways to identify unused columns in shared datasets in Power BI. Here are some options:


    1. VertiPaq Analyzer - https://www.sqlbi.com/tools/vertipaq-analyzer/

    2. Power BI Helper - https://powerbihelper.org/
    3. Power BI Cleaner Gen2 The BIccountant - https://www.thebiccountant.com/2021/06/27/power-bi-cleaner-gen2-is-here/

     

    Be sure to test your changes thoroughly to make sure that they do not break any existing reports or calculations.

  • Brunner_BI's avatar
    Brunner_BI
    Impactful Individual
    2 years ago

    As far as I know, Measure Killer is the only tool that can do this currently.