Identify and delete unused columns from all reports using shared dataset

[maheenshahid199]

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 ?

[hummingbird · Accepted solution]

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/ 

[Sahir_Maharaj · Accepted solution]

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]

I would also recommend using Measure Killer to do this.

[Sahir_Maharaj · Accepted solution]

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.

[Manendra · Accepted solution]

Hi @maheenshahid199 

Here is a video explaining how to delete unused columns and measures. 

(4) How To Automatically Delete Unused Columns And Measures In Power BI - YouTube

Do let me know if this solved your requirement. 

Cheers,

Manendra

[hummingbird · Accepted solution]

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]

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]

Hi

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

Thanks

[hummingbird]

@EarlCarroll @Anonymous Use Power BI Helper Tool. 

[Brunner_BI]

You need to install the tool "Measure Killer" for that.

@hummingbird DAX Studio has no such feature

Also, Power BI Helper does not work for shared datasets.

[Meie]

We are using analyze in Excel pretty much, is it possible to detect the measures which are used in Excel and not in Power BI?

[Brunner_BI]

Yes, it can do that!