Power BI Report Server: File Connectivity Issue

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niyati_61 wrote:

 

a) So, my question is when Power BI Report Server gets an update in January, (Along with it a compatible PB Report Server Desktop version will be available for download). [I assume my PBRS will also get automatically updated?]

 

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No, there is no automatic updating for the Report Server version of Desktop. You will have to manually run the installer

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niyati_61 wrote:

 

b) So, then will my Power BI Desktop (Nov 2021) - Cloud Version File be compatible with Power BI Report Server (Jan 2022 Version). I mean would I be able to open my PB File in PBRS Desktop (Jan 2022 Version). That would mean, I wouldn’t have to rebuild my entire report again, right?

 

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No this is not guaranteed. Report Server does not always support 100% of the features in the cloud version. I think the file formats would probably be compatible so it might open OK as long as you have not used functionality that is not supported in Report Server.

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niyati_61 wrote:

c) And now that PB Report Server will get updated 3 times a year; do I have to keep installing the new PB Report Server Desktop Version or will it get updated automatically, so my PB Report will still be working fine then, correct?

 

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Each time you install an update to the server you would want to update your version of Desktop to the one that matches it so that you get full access to any new features

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niyati_61 wrote:

2) I need to clarify, when you work with PB Report Server;

Basically, now you will be able to access PB Report Server on the web (Which is kind of like PB Service), and you get a PB Report Server Desktop Version installed alongside right.

 

And now this Power BI Report Server Desktop which is installed is different from the regular Power BI Desktop we install. So, in order to actually make a report we have to work with PB RS Desktop ONLY and not the regular Power BI Desktop right?

 

3) Last thing, so basically my company purchased SQL Server Enterprise Edition 2019 with Software Assurance, so that we could get the PB Report Server along with it (We require strictly on-premises). And along with it my company also purchased 3 Pro Licenses (as you need Pro Version to develop and publish reports on the Report Server). I have the product keys.

 

So, question is that, basically how Pro works is that, I have Power BI Desktop (let’s say Nov 2021 Version), when Pro will be installed, basically it will be like an add on of extra features to the Desktop only right. (Like Power BI Pro doesn’t have a version number specifically).

 

So, now I need to install the Pro license also. Should I do it to the Power BI RS Desktop (Sep 2021 – Compatible Version), or do you recommend I wait till January for the PB RS update, and then install the compatible PBRS Desktop Version, which I then make as Pro. But this 2nd option is pointless right, as if I install Pro right now, it should automatically be updated with the Jan PBRS Desktop anyway to be compatible.

 

What I’m asking is, will my Pro installation product key be wasted If I use it on the wrong version of PB, or can I just reuse that product key?

 

And, Once you download Power BI, does it automatically get updated every month to the new version? Or do you have to manually update it?

 

Also, This is the first time I’m working with anything other than Power BI Desktop version, hence the confusion and all these questions. Thank you so much for your time, I really appreciate these solutions. You have been really helpful so far. 

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You do not install "Pro" is not a product it's a license. The license will cover you for any version of Power BI Desktop (either the cloud or "report server"). But if you are only publishing reports on-prem you should only install the "Report Server" version of desktop. And that version does not auto-update because it needs to match the server version and the server is not auto-updated.

Hi d_gosbell ,

Thank you so much for the above solution. I was confused at the start, but now I'm clear at what to do. 

I'm going to install 'Power BI Desktop for Report Server' (The exact version which is compatible with my Power BI Report Server); I will then only use this 'Power BI Desktop for Report Server' Version to rebuild my Power BI Report now. And, now Power BI - Cloud Version will not be used further for me. 

And, as I'm able to use 'Power BI Desktop for Report Server' to build and publish reports to my Report Server currently, I will just start builiding my report here. Then I will later use the Pro License on this to upgrade it, and I hope my BI Report will work, be published on Report Server and shared with my team. 

Thank you! I really appreciate your support. 

I hope you have a great day.