couldn't load model schema, but there's nothing to connect

[nerdyplayer]

I am working on a prem workspace for the first time and messing around.

There is 1 PBI where I am getting an error saying it coldn't load the model schema. The issue is there is nothing to connect, i created another PBI that's just text and image as the homepage. there's nothing to connect, and don't know how to turn it off. Or should I not be doing it this way, and there is another best practice. ty

Cannot load model

Couldn't load the model schema associated with this report. Make sure you have a connection to the server, and try again.

Please check the technical details for more information. If you contact support, please provide these details.

• Underlying ErrorCapacity operation failed with error code CannotRetrieveModelException

[nerdyplayer]

1. Switch to Direct Query for Static Reports
Checked in options, no button to switch to direct query. I was in the data load and didn't see that option. 

2. Check for Dataset Connections

Nothing in transform data, query is all blank.

3. Publish as a Paginated Report

I was trying to do it by right clicking the dashboard, and it gave me an error message to turn it into a paginated report. I may have to download an addon(?), see if i can through my organization.

4. Clear Cached Data

Tried it, no luck. did clear over 2gigs though so thx.

5. Recreate the Report
Tried it again, i could not publish it, i uploaded through the prem workspace and added it back, no luck same error.

[nerdyplayer · Accepted solution]

I figured out a workaround. I went into transform data and created a manual data table. Once I pugged in some random numbers, I hide the table from the report and republish. Error went away.

[rajendraongole1]

Hi @nerdyplayer - This error, "Couldn't load the model schema," can occur even if your report has no connections to external data. This often happens due to the way Power BI tries to manage the data model, even in reports that consist of only static visuals like text or images.

there should be some steps that you need to check  as below:

1. Switch to Direct Query for Static Reports
If your report doesn't require any data model, you can configure it to Direct Query mode with no data source:

Open your Power BI report.
Go to File > Options and Settings > Options.
Under Current File, select Data Load.
Choose DirectQuery mode. This will ensure Power BI doesn't attempt to create or load an internal model.
2. Check for Dataset Connections
Ensure your report isn't unintentionally connected to a dataset:

Go to Transform Data in Power BI Desktop.
Confirm that there are no queries or tables in the Queries pane.
If there are unnecessary connections or queries, delete them.
3. Publish as a Paginated Report
If your homepage is purely static text and images, consider using Paginated Reports instead of a Power BI Desktop report:

Paginated Reports are better suited for static content.
They allow you to design pixel-perfect layouts and are natively supported in Premium workspaces.
4. Clear Cached Data
Sometimes, Power BI retains cached data that may cause issues:

Go to File > Options and Settings > Options.
Under Global > Data Cache, clear the cache.
5. Recreate the Report
If the error persists, recreate the report from scratch:

Create a new Power BI Desktop file.
Add only the text boxes, images, and visuals you need.
Ensure no unnecessary connections or data are added.

Hope this helps.