Power BI with Sensitivity Labels Excel unable to Open

Hi yannaingoo ,

This behavior is actually expected when using sensitivity labels with Power BI exports.

When a report is labeled as Highly Confidential, the exported Excel file inherits that label and becomes encrypted. Access to the file is then controlled by the sensitivity label policy (via Microsoft Purview), not by your role in Power BI.

So even if you’re a workspace admin, Excel will still check whether your signed-in account has explicit permission to open that protected file.

You may want to check the following:

• Make sure you’re signed into Excel with the same organizational account used in Power BI
• Confirm with your admin that your account (or a group you belong to) is included in the sensitivity label’s permissions
• Verify whether the label is configured with restricted access (specific users only), which can block access even for admins

If needed, your IT team can review or adjust the label settings in Microsoft Purview to ensure the right users have access.

Hope this helps, and feel free to share more details if you’re still facing the issue. happy to assist further