Power BI Report Server upgrade version and OS

[sunshine07]

Currently running Power Bi Report Server version Janary 2023 on OS Windows Server 2012 R2

Need to upgrade to the latest version of Power BI Report Server January 2025 but seeing this will only run on OS Windows Server 2019 or 2022. 

Trying to find out steps to upgrade to the latest version on a newer OS.  Unable to find any documentation on recommendations.

Thanks!

[Poojara_D12]

Hi @sunshine07 

Upgrading Power BI Report Server (PBIRS) from January 2023 to January 2025 requires migrating to Windows Server 2019 or 2022, as the latest version is not supported on Windows Server 2012 R2. The recommended approach is a side-by-side migration rather than an in-place upgrade. First, back up the ReportServer and ReportServerTempDB databases along with the encryption keys using Report Server Configuration Manager. Then, set up a new Windows Server with the latest Power BI Report Server (January 2025) and restore the backed-up databases. After that, reconfigure service accounts, URLs, and authentication settings to match the previous setup. Ensure reports, subscriptions, and scheduled refreshes work correctly by testing thoroughly before switching over. Once verified, update all users and connections to the new server and decommission the old one. This approach ensures a smooth transition with minimal downtime.

 

[v-yiruan-msft]

Hi @sunshine07 ,

Please review the following official documentation, which outlines the system requirements, installation instructions, and other relevant details. I hope this helps you successfully install Power BI Report Server with the latest version.

Download Microsoft Power BI Report Server - January 2025 from Official Microsoft Download Center

Best Regards

[lbendlin]

Are you planning to upgrade the server OS on the machine itself , or do you create a new server?

[sunshine07]

Thanks for replying!  I did see if going this route to upgrade the OS in-place need to first upgrade OS from 2012 to 2016 and then to OS 2022.    BUT.....I know the current version I have of Power BI Report Server will not run on OS version 2022.  And I mis-spoke earlier my current Power BI Report Server is May 2022.  I was searching to see what hardware May 2022 will run on but cant find that old documentation.

Do I have to do multiple steps, upgrade to PowerBI Report Server to the highest version that will run on OS 2012.

Then upgrade OS to windows 2016 and also upgrade again to the highest version of PowerBI Report Server.

Then upgrade OS to windows 2022 and finally the latest version of Power Bi Report Server January 2025.

[lbendlin]

Sounds like that's what you may have to do.  Maybe you can skip the 2016 part of the process - not sure.

[sunshine07]

I'm not a user of PowerBI...if we go the route of building new, is there a way to script out all the reports and they can be redeployed on the new build?