Exchange Shared Mailbox Connection

Hey BlueMinnowBPS,

Based on your screenshot and description, this is a known limitation with Exchange shared mailboxes in Power BI Service.

• Power BI Desktop supports Exchange shared mailboxes with personal credentials
• Power BI Service doesn't properly handle this authentication scenario
• The service connection dialog lacks the flexibility needed for shared mailbox access

Possible Approach:

• Create Service Account
  • Ask your Exchange admin to create a new user account (e.g., [email protected])
  • Don't assign expensive licenses - basic Exchange Online Plan 1 is sufficient
• Grant Mailbox Permissions
  • Admin grants the service account "Full Access" permissions to your shared mailbox
  • Command: Add-MailboxPermission -Identity "[email protected]" -User "[email protected]" -AccessRights FullAccess
• Power BI Service Configuration
  • Email Address: Use the service account email ([email protected])
  • Authentication: Use the service account credentials
  • Connection Type: Keep as OAuth2 or Basic (depending on your org settings)
• Data Source Settings
  • In the service account's mailbox settings, add the shared mailbox as an additional mailbox
  • The service account will now have access to both its own mailbox and the shared mailbox data

This method eliminates the shared mailbox authentication complexity by using a properly permissioned regular account instead.

Fixed? ✓ Mark it • Share it • Help others!

Best Regards,
Jainesh Poojara | Power BI Developer