Hi @August_Stidberg ,
This error happens when the report you downloaded is connected to a semantic model (dataset) in the Power BI Service. The PBIX doesn’t actually contain the data – it only points to the dataset. When you open it in Desktop, the connection can’t be established unless you have the right permissions.
Things to check/try:
Check if the report is using a shared dataset
Open the PBIX in Power BI Desktop.
Go to File - Options & Settings - Data Source Settings.
If the source is Power BI Service (semantic model) - the PBIX does not contain the data, it only points to a published dataset.
Verify permissions on the dataset
In the workspace where the dataset lives, click the …(More options) - Manage permissions on the dataset.
Make sure the user has at least:
Read + Build permissions.
Without Build, Desktop can’t reconnect to the dataset.
Reconnect to the dataset manually (if needed)
In Desktop, go to Home - Get Data - Power BI Datasets.
Log in and select the correct dataset from the workspace.
Save the PBIX – now it should reconnect.
If you need the full PBIX with data
Downloading from Service will only give you the report definition if it’s built on a shared dataset.
Ask the dataset owner for the original PBIX file (the one used to publish the dataset).
Workaround if you only want to edit visuals
Open the report directly in the Service.
Click Edit - Edit in Power BI Service.
Make changes and republish/update without using Desktop.
This error happens because the downloaded PBIX is a report-only file pointing to a semantic model in the Service. To fix it, ensure Build permission is granted on the dataset and reconnect, or get the original PBIX with data.
