Power BI desktop file taking hours to open

[Mandalorian]

I am working on a large dashboard for my team, about 878 MB. This file takes hours to open, even when using an ethernet connection.

For some context, I work remotely, but internet speed tends to be quick. When I go into the office this file will open within seconds. 

How do I make this easier to open? Is there any best practices you have when using larger files?

[aj1973]

@Mandalorian 

Upgrade the RAM of your machine. Power BI desktop lately needs at least 16 GB of RAM to run smoothly.

[Mandalorian]

I have 32 GB of RAM on my laptop. It is only 2 years old.

[aj1973]

You said you work remotly, on which machine you are trying to open the Power BI desktop of your report?

[cassidy]

Are you saying it's already downloaded and available on a drive and then opening it takes hours?

Or the download from Service takes hours?

If it's already downloaded, Internet speed should not be related, only available computer resources.  Refreshing the file in Desktop is where Internet comes back into play.  Is your remote machine the same as your office machine?

[Mandalorian]

It is saved on the shared company drive. Opening the file from the shared drive takes hours. I am using a laptop with 32 GBs of RAM. It opens faster when I am in the office and using ethernet. 

[cassidy]

I'm not a network expert, but I don't think it's a Power BI issue based on that, talk to you IT and see if there is a bottleneck around your VPN or something.

When you say shared drive, I'm assuming it's hosted by your company and not SharePoint (if SharePoint, the download shouldn't be limited by anything except your network).

[aj1973]

You got your answer then

[djurecicK2 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Mandalorian ,

 Are you able to copy the file to your local machine, then work on it there, then copy back or publish once you have finished? You might also consider editing the report inside the PBI service once it is published.

[Mandalorian]

Copying to my local machine still takes a while, but might be my best option. I am working on this with another analyst so it's easier to use the network.