PBI Desktop asks for live connection sematic model creds each time it is opened

[gmachowiak]

Hi,

We recently moved from AAS to PBI gen2. Our reports have been repointed to pbig2 sematic models using Analysis Services connection - Live Connection mode.

Noticed AAS was using Azure Analysis Services connector, while connecting to PBI it uses SQL Server Analysis Services database (which is understandable).

What we are struggling with is, every time the pbix file is opened it asks for credentials while when it was connected to AAS it did not require if credentials were provided already.

We cannot use the PBI Sematic Model connecter (which would solve this issue) as it does not allow for cube/perspective selection. Any ideas on the potential reason/solutions?

[rajendraongole1 · Accepted solution]

Hi @gmachowiak - The primary issue seems to be related to how Power BI Desktop handles the authentication session for SSAS connections. By optimizing the authentication method, leveraging service principals, or tweaking the connection settings, you can potentially reduce or eliminate the need for repeated credential prompts.

If these solutions don’t fully resolve the issue, consider reaching out to Microsoft support for more specific guidance related to your environment.

File > Options and settings > Data source settings, and ensure that the credentials are set to be remembered. If the option to "Always allow" or "Remember my credentials" is available, ensure it is selected.

DirectQuery in Power BI - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Connect to Analysis Services data in Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

If the option to "Always allow" or "Remember my credentials" is available, ensure it is selected.

hope it helps