Viewer Role for Filters ( Not Slicers)

[powerbiexpert22]

Can user with "Viewer" role edit the report filter , example user Alex has Viewer role and there is Filter in Report already applied for Year = 2023 , Can Alex modify Year to 2024 , apply and save filter?

[v-aatheeque]

Hi @powerbiexpert22 

Have you had a chance to look through the responses shared earlier? If anything is still unclear, we’ll be happy to provide additional support.

[danextian]

You can enable persistent filters so the service saves the latest state of the report for that specific user. If a user filters the year to 2024 and leave it at that, the report will return to that state the next time the user opens the report.

[v-aatheeque]

Hi @powerbiexpert22 

We wanted to follow up to check if you’ve had an opportunity to review the previous responses. If you require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

[cengizhanarslan · Accepted solution]

Viewer role users can interact with filters within their session, but they cannot save those changes permanently back to the report.

[pcoley]

A user with the Viewer role cannot permanently modify and save the report filter (e.g., changing Year from 2023 to 2024 and saving it).

Detailed Explanation

Action Viewer Role Allowed? Notes

Change filter temporarily (during session)	Yes	They can change Year to 2024 and see the updated data while the report is open.
Save the changed filter permanently	No	Changes are personal and temporary. Next time they open the report, it resets to the original filter (Year = 2023).
Edit the report / add new filters	No	Viewers cannot edit the report design.

Important Points

• Viewers can interact with filters and slicers (this is expected behavior).
• Any temporary changes they make are saved only as personal bookmark or personal filter state for that user.
• They cannot overwrite the default report filters set by the report owner.
• Only users with Contributor, Member, or Admin roles (or report owners) can permanently change and save filters.

Best Practices for You (as Report Owner)

1. If you want to prevent users from changing the Year filter:
   • Go to the Filters pane → Select the Year filter → Lock it (users can see the filter but cannot change it).
2. If you want users to be able to change the filter freely:
   • Use a Slicer instead of (or in addition to) the Filters pane.