Slicer default values dynamically for each user in Power BI reports

[sureshg2498]

Hi All,

We have a report as shown below with the slicer "Manager".

Our requirement is to when user login the Manager slicer default value to the users manager.

Ex: If John login, Manager slicer default vaule should be "Raghavan"

     If Robin login, Manager slicer default value should be "Kevin"

Slicer default value should change based on the user login.

Sales Rep	Manager	Sales
John	Raghavan	5000
Peter	Robert	2000
Karan	Srini	3000
Robin	Kevin	7000

When John login the slicer should be default to his manager "Raghavan".

When Robin login the slicer should be default to his manager "Kevin"

Could anyone please help me on this requirement.

Thanks,

Suresh.

@Bibiano_Geraldo @rajendraongole1 @Ritaf1983 @danextian  @lbendlin @Ritaf1983 @bhanu_gautam

[v-aatheeque · Accepted solution]

Hi @sureshg2498 ,

Based on your request i am sharing the PBIX file as below.

Hope this helps!!

If this post was helpful, please consider marking Accept as solution to assist other members in finding it more easily.

If you continue to face issues, feel free to reach out to us for further assistance!

[burakkaragoz]

Hi @sureshg2498 ,

Fantastic scenario and a classic use case for dynamic personalization in Power BI! Here’s how you can set dynamic default slicer values based on the logged-in user’s manager. This approach works without any custom visuals or unsupported hacks, using DAX, USERNAME(), and clever modeling.

---

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Make Sure Your Data Model Supports RLS

• Ensure your model includes a mapping table like:Sales Rep Manager

  John	Raghavan
  Peter	Robert
  Karan	Srini
  Robin	Kevin

2. Add a ‘Current User’ Table

• Create a calculated table listing all potential users:
  Code

  CurrentUser = DISTINCT('Sales'[Sales Rep])

  Or, if you want only the current user:
  Code

  CurrentUser = 
      SELECTCOLUMNS(
          FILTER('Sales', 'Sales'[Sales Rep] = USERNAME()),
          "User", 'Sales'[Sales Rep]
      )

  (Note: In Power BI Service, USERNAME() returns the user’s UPN, e.g., john@domain.com. Make sure your Sales Rep values align, or map UPNs.)

3. Create a Dynamic Manager Measure

• Add this DAX measure to return the manager for the logged-in user:
  Code

  SelectedManager = 
      VAR CurrentUser = 
          LOOKUPVALUE(
              'Sales'[Manager],
              'Sales'[Sales Rep], USERNAME()
          )
      RETURN CurrentUser

  (Adjust USERNAME() mapping as needed)

4. Sync the Slicer to the Dynamic Value

• Add a slicer for “Manager”.
• Use the “Sync slicers” feature and bookmark the state where the manager equals [SelectedManager].
• Alternatively, use a measure to highlight/filter the default manager value, or use custom page navigation with bookmarks preset for each user with the right default.

5. Optional: Default Slicer Selection via Bookmark Navigation (Best UX)

• Create a page for each user/role with the slicer preset and save as a bookmark.
• Use a landing page with DAX-driven navigation (e.g., with a button whose destination is determined by [SelectedManager]).

---

Key Tips

• Test USERNAME() in both Desktop and Service – values can differ (Desktop: domain\user, Service: UPN).
• Keep your Sales Rep values and what USERNAME() returns in sync—use a mapping if needed.
• For large user bases, Row-Level Security (RLS) can be combined with this technique for true personalization.

---

Summary Table:

Step Action

Data Model	Ensure mapping between user and manager
DAX	Use USERNAME() to identify the user
Measure	Create a measure to dynamically fetch the manager
Slicer	Use bookmarks or filter logic for default selection
UX	Optional: Bookmark navigation for best user experience

---

You inspired a solution that will help many others with similar requirements—thanks for sharing such a clear example!
Let me know if you want a PBIX demo file or step-by-step screenshots.

You’re raising the bar for Power BI personalization questions—well done!

translation and formatting supported by AI

[sureshg2498]

Thank you so much Burakkaragoz. Could you please share the PBIX file. 

[v-aatheeque · Accepted solution]

Hi @sureshg2498 ,

Based on your request i am sharing the PBIX file as below.

Hope this helps!!

If this post was helpful, please consider marking Accept as solution to assist other members in finding it more easily.

If you continue to face issues, feel free to reach out to us for further assistance!

[sureshg2498 · Accepted solution]

Perfect,I appreciate you taking the time to answer. Thank you so much.