Microsoft Store vs online download

[GeoffWilkins]

Hi all,

I am looking at the differences between the two download options for our company, are there any differences between the files at all? To me it seems logical to use the store version as it auto-updates but I just want to ensure I'm not missing anything!

Cheers!

[v-diye-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @GeoffWilkins 

There are a few advantages to getting Power BI Desktop from the Microsoft Store:

• Automatic updates: Windows downloads the latest version automatically in the background as soon as it's available, so your version will always be up to date.

• Smaller downloads: Microsoft Store ensures only components that have changed in each update are downloaded to your machine, resulting in smaller downloads for each update.

• Admin privilege isn't required: When you download the package directly and install it, you must be an administrator for the installation to complete successfully. If you get Power BI Desktop from the Microsoft Store, admin privilege is not required.

• IT roll-out enabled: Through the Microsoft Store for Business, you can more easily deploy, or roll out, Power BI Desktop to everyone in your organization

• Language detection: The Microsoft Store version includes all supported languages, and checks the language used on your computer each time it's launched. This language support also affects the localization of models created in Power BI Desktop. For example, built-in date hierarchies match the language that Power BI Desktop is using when the .pbix file is created.

The following consideration and limitations apply when you install Power BI Desktop from the Microsoft Store:

• If you use the SAP connector, you may need to move your SAP driver files to the Windows\System32 folder.
• Installing Power BI Desktop from the Microsoft Store doesn't copy user settings from the .exe version. You might have to reconnect to your recent datasources and reenter your data source credentials.

More reference refer to:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/fundamentals/desktop-get-the-desktop 

[amitchandak]

@GeoffWilkins , I am using the store version, and it auto-upgrade itself. But this is only for Windows 10.

https://ideas.powerbi.com/forums/265200-power-bi-ideas/suggestions/10399626-power-bi-desktop-auto-up...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFlTe7OlKPk

Download version link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=58494

[lbendlin]

The store option auto updates if you want it or not.  If you have 10 pbix files open when the store decides to auto update then you end up with ten orphaned files that ask you if you want to recover them. Good luck remembering which of the ten you changed substantially enough.

No such issues with the standalone installer.  But here you run the risk of users not updating at all, and not just missing out on new features abut also being unable to open pbix files created with newer versions.