pbip - Unable to Save - Access to the path <path> is denied

[DaveW-AW]

Unable to save a Project.

Product Version:
2.141.1558.0 (25.03)+75b5f06a991f8f8a8a4d6b6fcd0f66e1ec2d6fdc (x64)

Error Message:
Access to the path '<projectpath>.Report\definition\pages\f010c008954fb8eea1f5\visuals\ce14520d43b636a3588e' is denied.

More info:

This specifically occers AFTER deleting a visual that was present last time the project was saved.  Inspection of the Project folder reveals that the visual's folder is present and empty.

This ONLY occurs within my OneDrive for Business folder, and does not occur if I work in a non-synced folder (like Downloads).  Additionally, I can also save-as to create a new pbip or pbix successfully.

Workaround:

Save As a new pbip or pbix works fine.

Manually deleting this folder clears the issue (once for each deleted visual).

Addtional Info:

The save location at issue has an ACL on it that prevents deletion, despite the user being able to delete the file themselves.  This ACL is coming from the root of the OneDrive folder, and I cannot get rid of it.  I believe this ACL is triggering the failure on the folder, even though it can delete the visual files just fine.  (OneDrive trapping the delete action?)

Stack Trace:

Microsoft.PowerBI.Client.Windows.ExceptionHandling.PowerBIException
at Microsoft.PowerBI.Client.Windows.Services.BiProjectOperationHandler.<SaveReportIntoProjectRelatedFile>d__39.MoveNext()
--- End of stack trace from previous location where exception was thrown ---
at System.Runtime.ExceptionServices.ExceptionDispatchInfo.Throw()
at System.Runtime.CompilerServices.TaskAwaiter.HandleNonSuccessAndDebuggerNotification(Task task)
at Microsoft.PowerBI.Client.Windows.Services.BiProjectOperationHandler.<TrySaveArtifact>d__30.MoveNext()
--- End of stack trace from previous location where exception was thrown ---
at System.Runtime.ExceptionServices.ExceptionDispatchInfo.Throw()
at System.Runtime.CompilerServices.TaskAwaiter.HandleNonSuccessAndDebuggerNotification(Task task)
at Microsoft.PowerBI.Client.Windows.Services.CurrentArtifactManager.<TrySaveFileAndSetAsCurrent>d__48.MoveNext()
--- End of stack trace from previous location where exception was thrown ---
at System.Runtime.ExceptionServices.ExceptionDispatchInfo.Throw()
at System.Runtime.CompilerServices.TaskAwaiter.HandleNonSuccessAndDebuggerNotification(Task task)
at Microsoft.PowerBI.Client.Windows.Services.UIBlockingService.<>c__DisplayClass17_0`1.<<BlockUIAndRun>b__0>d.MoveNext()
--- End of stack trace from previous location where exception was thrown ---
at System.Runtime.ExceptionServices.ExceptionDispatchInfo.Throw()
at Microsoft.PowerBI.Client.Windows.Services.UIBlockingService.WaitOnUIThreadForTaskCompletion[T](Task`1 task)
at Microsoft.PowerBI.Client.Windows.Services.UIBlockingService.BlockUIAndRun[T](Func`1 asyncMethod, PowerBIProgress progress)
at Microsoft.PowerBI.Client.Windows.LocalFileOpenSaveUI.ShowSaveUIAndWait(IPowerBIWindowService windowService, IExceptionHandler exceptionHandler, IPowerBIArtifactInfo artifactInfo, Func`2 performSaveMethod)
at Microsoft.PowerBI.Client.Windows.Services.FileOperationUIHandler.<TrySaveFile>d__51.MoveNext()
--- End of stack trace from previous location where exception was thrown ---
at System.Runtime.ExceptionServices.ExceptionDispatchInfo.Throw()
at System.Runtime.CompilerServices.TaskAwaiter.HandleNonSuccessAndDebuggerNotification(Task task)
at Microsoft.PowerBI.Client.Windows.IExceptionHandlerExtensions.<HandleAwaitableAsyncExceptions>d__1.MoveNext()

[BhuvanLekkala]

Hi Fabric Support Team,

I'm encountering a recurring issue when attempting to save a Power BI project in .PBIP format. The error message is:

Access to the path 'C:\Users\blekkala\OneDrive - University of South Wales\HR Data and Reporting Analyst\DEV\CPVC-17.Report\definition\pages...' is denied.

What I’ve Tried:

• Confirmed I have full access to the folder
• Paused OneDrive sync and retried saving
• Ran Power BI as Administrator
• Checked with my IT team (no resolution found)

Despite these steps, the issue persists. This seems to be related to how .PBIP saves multiple files and folders, possibly conflicting with OneDrive or local permissions.

Environment:

• Power BI Desktop Version: 2.144.878.0 (June 2025)
• OS: Windows 10 (x64)
• OneDrive is active and syncing the target folder

I’ve attached the full error log for reference. I would appreciate any guidance or a workaround to resolve this issue.

Thank you,
Bhuvan Lekkala 

log @HarishKM @DaveW-AW @jessica-ko @v-nmadadi-msft 

issue :

Feedback Type:
Frown (Error)

Timestamp:
2025-06-25T12:37:30.4692710Z

Local Time:
2025-06-25T13:37:30.4692710+01:00

Session ID:
8d507dcf-a354-46a5-930e-4c110692a451

Release:
June 2025

Product Version:
2.144.878.0 (25.06)+9cca29236de5114792f4d7188221f91ad4a5cc50 (x64)

Error Message:
Access to the path 'C:\Users\blekkala\OneDrive - University of South Wales\HR Data and Reporting Analyst\DEV\CPVC-17.Report\definition\pages\95acf80638658954c7ed' is denied.

Stack Trace:
Microsoft.PowerBI.Client.Windows.ExceptionHandling.PowerBIException

[jessica-ko]

what worked for me was:
.pause onedrive syncing
.delete custom visual referenced in access denied error path from the the report/custom visuals folder (same location as pbip is saved)
.retry saving file

[v-nmadadi-msft]

Hi @DaveW-AW ,

As we haven’t heard back from you, we wanted to kindly follow up to check if the solution provided by the community members for the issue worked. If our response addressed, please mark it as Accept as solution and click Yes if you found it helpful.

Thanks and regards

[v-nmadadi-msft]

Hi @DaveW-AW ,

I wanted to check if you had the opportunity to review the information provided. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. If our responses has addressed your query, please accept it as a solution and give a 'Kudos' so other members can easily find it.

Thank you.

[v-nmadadi-msft]

Hi @DaveW-AW,

May I ask if you have resolved this issue? If so, please mark the helpful reply and accept it as the solution. This will be helpful for other community members who have similar problems to solve it faster.

Thank you.

[HarishKM]

@DaveW-AW Hey,
This is one drive issue. 
try below steps for your requirement.
Step 1- Pause OneDrive Syncing: Temporarily pause OneDrive syncing while working on your Power BI project to prevent syncing conflicts during file operations. This can help avoid the "Access Denied" error when saving the project.
Step 2- Adjust ACL Permissions: Check and modify the ACL settings on the OneDrive folder to ensure full permissions (including delete) for the user. This can prevent OneDrive from blocking delete or modification actions that Power BI needs to perform.
Step 3- Work Outside OneDrive: Save and work on your Power BI project in a non-synced folder (e.g., Downloads or another local directory) to avoid issues with OneDrive's file synchronization and permissions.

Thanks
Harish M
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly and give Kudos if helped you resolve your query

[v-nmadadi-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @DaveW-AW,
Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft fabric community forum.

Before performing save operations in Power BI, pause OneDrive synchronization. This can reduce the likelihood of OneDrive locking files or folders that Power BI needs to modify. Remember to resume synchronization after completing your work.

Another step you can try is to ensure that your user account has full read/write permissions for the OneDrive folder and its subfolders. Right-click the OneDrive folder, select "Properties," navigate to the "Security" tab, and verify or adjust permissions as necessary.

Additionally check out a similar issue Solved: PBIP won't save in Feb 2025 - Microsoft Fabric Community
where the OP was able to resolve the issue by deleting the TMDL script

If you find this post helpful, please mark it as an "Accept as Solution" and consider giving a KUDOS. Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance.
Thanks and Regards