Standalone Copilot icon does not appear in Desktop App

[ScottShearer]

I have followed the published guidance to enable Copilot (including standalone).  I am running the latest version (August 2025) of the Power BI desktop app.  The Copilot icon does not appear below the Home icon in the left navigation bar.  However, the icon does appear when I open the published report in the Power BI service.  I am able to use other Copilot functionality in the desktop app, just not the Standalone feature.

Is this a known issue?  If not, can someone suggest a fix?

[v-veshwara-msft]

Hi @ScottShearer ,

May I ask if the response provided has addressed your needs?

If you need any further assistance, feel free to reach out.

Thank you.

[v-veshwara-msft]

Hi @ScottShearer ,
We wanted to kindly follow up regarding your query. If you need any further assistance, please reach out.
Thank you.

[v-veshwara-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @ScottShearer ,

Thank you for posting in the Microsoft Fabric Community.

At present, the standalone Copilot icon in the left navigation pane is only available in the Power BI Service and is currently in preview. Please make sure the following two settings are enabled in the Admin portal for Copilot to work as expected.

Do note that when a new capacity is purchased or an existing capacity is scaled up, it may take up to 24 hours for Copilot to recognize and become available.

Also, the standalone Copilot experience is not yet supported in the following regions: India West, Indonesia Central, Korea South, Malaysia West, New Zealand North, Qatar Central, Taiwan North, Taiwan North West, UAE Central, France South, Germany North, and Norway West.

Reference: Overview of Copilot for Power BI - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

As highlighted in the official blog, this feature is planned to be turned on by default starting September.

Hope this helps. Please reach out for further assistance.

Thank you.

[v-veshwara-msft]

Hi @ScottShearer ,
Just wanted to check if the response provided was helpful. If further assistance is needed, please reach out.
Thank you.

[ScottShearer]

@wardy912 

Thanks for your response.  Yes I have enabled "Users can access a standalone, cross-item Power BI Copilot experience”.  The resaon for my concern is that I have watched numerous videos online where the icon does appear.  The documentation also indicates that the icon should appear.

Qucik question:  Do you see the Copilot standalone icon in the desktop app?

[wardy912]

Hi @ScottShearer 

 As this is still in preview, i'd probably wait until the September general rollout.

When it's released, ensure the setting “Users can access a standalone, cross-item Power BI Copilot experience” is enabled in the Admin Portal.