Create Template App for AppSource with embedded data

Hi mwestergaard,

You have two realistic paths:

• Accept the banner and make it frictionless. Add a Power Query parameter (even a dummy one with a static default value like "demo") and set it as non-required. When the installer clicks "Connect your data," they'll see an empty or pre-filled parameter dialog and can just click Next → Next without entering anything. This is exactly how apps like the Power BI Release Plan report work, the parameters dialog appears with no required parameters, and the user simply clicks Next to proceed with Anonymous authentication. It's a one-click-through, not a real barrier.
• Use the Fabric workspace (which you already confirmed works) and publish to AppSource with sample-data-only positioning. Template apps explicitly support sample data-only apps on AppSource. Your app is a legitimate use case for that category.

Stick with the Fabric workspace (since it creates the app successfully), add a single optional dummy parameter in Power Query with a default value, and set no authentication requirement. The end user experience becomes: install → see sample data → optionally click through a one-step empty dialog. For a demo-only app, that's perfectly acceptable and AppSource validation will pass it given that it's explicitly flagged as a sample data app.

Some useful ressources :

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/service-connect-to-power-bi-release-plan

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/service-template-apps-tips

Assisted by AI for clarty of wording!

Hope this helps! Don't forget to accept as solution and give kudos in order to keep helping others.

Best of luck,

Oussama (Data Consultant - Expert Fabric & Power BI)