Power BI Desktop – External Dataset Permission Error When Loading to Model

[miakat]

When working in Power BI Desktop (June 2025, version 2.144.1378.0 x64), I receive the following error during the Load to Model process with an Analysis Services Live Connection:

> Microsoft.PowerBI.Client.Windows.AnalysisServices.ExternalDatasetPermissionValidationException – You do not have permissions to the underlying external semantic model.

The error occurs consistently when attempting to edit queries or import data from the connected dataset.

Observed Behavior:

- Desktop is connected to an external semantic model (dataset) in the Power BI Service.

- When trying to load or modify the model, the process fails with the above error.

- The stack trace indicates a failure in AddPowerBIServiceCredentialsToConnectionStringIfRequired, which suggests my account credentials do not have sufficient permissions for the dataset.

- This appears to be a permission validation failure against the dataset in the Service.

Likely Cause:

From Microsoft’s documentation and error type, this occurs when:

- I have Read permission but not Build permission on the dataset, OR

- My organization’s Tenant settings block composite models/direct queries on Power BI datasets or Analysis Services, OR

- The dataset owner has not enabled cross-workspace or cross-tenant access (if applicable).

Steps to Reproduce:

1. Open PBIX connected to the external dataset in Power BI Service.

2. Attempt to edit queries or load the model.

3. Error occurs during “Load to Model.”

Requested Action:

1. Confirm dataset permissions:

   - In the dataset’s workspace, check my access level. Please grant Build permission (either directly or via Contributor/Member role).

2. Check tenant settings:

   - Ensure Composite models on Power BI datasets and Analysis Services is enabled in the Admin portal.

3. If applicable, confirm that:

   - Cross-workspace dataset sharing is enabled.

   - I have access to any underlying Lakehouse/Warehouse or data source behind the dataset.

Environment Details:

- Session ID: 5b677507-536f-49b2-841d-657d83826107

- OS: Windows 10.0.26100.0 (x64)

- AS Live Connection: True

- WebView2 Runtime: 138.0.3351.121

- DPI Scale: 200%

- Preview Features Enabled: Includes PBI_b2bExternalDatasetSharing, PBI_directLakeRemoteModeling, PBI_copilotUnifiedTooling, etc