Modify Query for Published Power BI Report

[Nadim1]

Hi all,

I'm wondering how I might be able to modify the query / data source for a published Power BI Report. I made a report in Power BI Desktop, and then to share it with colleagues and have it auto-refresh, I published it to Power BI (Cloud). If I want to make updates to this report, i.e. modifying the dataset/updating the queries, how would I be able to do this?

From what I understand, you cannot access the Query Editor in the Cloud (only in the Desktop version, which is fine). Is it as simple as exporting a copy of the report to the Desktop App, making the change, and then Publishing (and overwriting) the current report? I want to confirm whether this is the correct approach before breaking the report (i.e. don't want to have to re-share the report with the allowed users again when I make an update, or break the functionality entirely so no one can use it). Or is there another approach that should be used? 

[GilbertQ · Accepted solution]

Hi @Nadim1 

Yes that is one way to do it, when you overwrite the dataset all the reports will remain the same without any changes or modifications.

You could also look at using dataflows if you want to update the query as long as there are no columns added.

[LauraH]

Oddly this does not work for me! But I am very new to power BI. I have a report published a while ago and it is working, but now I'd like to go back to the data (queries) with all the relationships and additional measures I created and edit those. I don't seem to be able to do that, when I click transform data. 

I downloaded the report and placed it on my desktop and opened it with the desktop app. What else should I do? I'm sure it's something pretty basic but I'm new and I don't know how to do this. 

thanks for your help!

[GilbertQ]

Hi @LauraH 

When you download the power BI file, you should then be able to open it up in power bi desktop and view the relationships and measures that were in the model once that is done, you can then publish it back up and overwrite the existing model, which will then have your new changes.

[LauraH]

Thank you @GilbertQ, I know that is the theory but in practice I'm only able to see the relationship tables not able to see the tables themselves. 

Thanks

[GilbertQ]

Hi @LauraH 

Can you make sure that you have downloaded the Power BI model and data?

[LauraH]

ah, maybe here is the problem! When I go to file>download this file the option 'a copy of your report and data' is blanked out, the only option is a copy of your report with live connection to data online. 

Any suggestions? 

[Nadim1]

Thanks @GilbertQ for the quick response. I looked at Dataflows but it seems that you can't append queries without a Premium License (I have Pro) - although appending Queries through Power BI Desktop & then publishing seems to work? Most of the data I work with comes from separate tables that I have to join which doesn't seem possible without the Premium License in a Dataflow. 

[GilbertQ]

Hi @Nadim1 

Yes you can use Premium Per User which will allow that to work.

[Nadim1]

Thanks @GilbertQ - I'm assuming a Premium Per User (or Premium License) will allow me to do that? I'll check with my team about getting an upgrade. Thanks again for the assistance here. 

[GilbertQ]

Hi @Nadim1 

Yes that is correct.