Forum Discussion
Changing exported file location
Hi all,
I would like to know if we can change the destination folder from "Download" to any other desired folder when we user "Export to excel" feature on the Power BI Service?
Currenlty, by default , when we use this feature "Export to excel" then the file downloads to the local "Download" folder. I'm looking to change this location if possible and how?
Any help is appreciated.
Thank you,
Brij
Hi Anonymous
In Power BI Service itself, there isn't a built-in option to change the default download location for exported Excel files. The "Export to Excel" feature always saves the file to your browser's designated download folder, which is typically "Downloads" by default.
But you can consider these alternative approaches:
Change Browser Download Folder: You can modify your browser settings to specify a different default download location. This will impact all downloads initiated through that browser, not just Power BI exports. Refer to your specific browser's settings for instructions on changing the download directory.
Explore Alternative Export Methods (For Advanced Users): If you're comfortable with technical solutions, consider these options:
- Power Automate Desktop with Data Export Action: This method involves creating a Power Automate Desktop flow with a "Data Export" action specifically for Power BI datasets. You can configure the flow to save the exported data to a specific folder location. [Power Automate Desktop Data Export Action] (Be aware that Power Automate Desktop is a separate product requiring additional setup)
- Custom Visualizations: With advanced development knowledge, you could potentially create a custom visualization in Power BI that allows exporting data to a user-defined location. However, this requires significant expertise.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/visuals/power-bi-visualization-export-data?tabs=powerbi-desktop
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.
Happy to help!
3 Replies
Hi Anonymous
In Power BI Service itself, there isn't a built-in option to change the default download location for exported Excel files. The "Export to Excel" feature always saves the file to your browser's designated download folder, which is typically "Downloads" by default.
But you can consider these alternative approaches:
Change Browser Download Folder: You can modify your browser settings to specify a different default download location. This will impact all downloads initiated through that browser, not just Power BI exports. Refer to your specific browser's settings for instructions on changing the download directory.
Explore Alternative Export Methods (For Advanced Users): If you're comfortable with technical solutions, consider these options:
- Power Automate Desktop with Data Export Action: This method involves creating a Power Automate Desktop flow with a "Data Export" action specifically for Power BI datasets. You can configure the flow to save the exported data to a specific folder location. [Power Automate Desktop Data Export Action] (Be aware that Power Automate Desktop is a separate product requiring additional setup)
- Custom Visualizations: With advanced development knowledge, you could potentially create a custom visualization in Power BI that allows exporting data to a user-defined location. However, this requires significant expertise.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/visuals/power-bi-visualization-export-data?tabs=powerbi-desktop
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.
Happy to help!
Thanks Shivu-2000 ,
This is really good information.
In regards to solution, I knew about the first option that you provided. With your second option, you mentioned, it's for the "Advanced users", what do you mean by that? If I set this solution within my PBI report and share it with end users (who has read only access to the report who needs to export data out to excel), would they able to select their destination folder?
Please advise.
Thank you,
Brij
Hi Anonymous,
By advanced user I meant you are comfortable using power automate or Uipath for automation of the destination folder.
And if you any of the setting for your device same needs to be replicated at end user device too!!If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.
Happy to help!