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NadyaTBC
New Member

Prevent PBIX file download for viewers role but allow them to export data from visuals

Hi all, 

 

I am trying to find a way to disable the option for my 'viewers' to download the PBIX file from the service, but still allow them to export data. The reason for this is there are some hidden columns in my semantic model that contains sensitive information I don't want them to access. Specifically for viewers, I only want them to be able to download the data from readily made table or matrix visuals. 

 

The key thing here is I am trying to avoid usimng the admin settings to turn off download permissions, because this will not let them export any data from the visuals. 

 

I read somewhere that I should try to create a bogus RLS because that prevents viewers from downloading the pbix file. The problem with that becomes: as my workspace grows, I will need more maintenance i.e. whoever I give access to my workspace, I must add them as part of this bogus RLS group as well. 

 

Any suggestions? 

 

Thanks.

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
Wikkleyn_81
Super User
Super User

Hi @NadyaTBC You requrie at least Contributor permission to download the pbix file.

 

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/create-reports/service-export-to-pbix#limitations-when-do... 

 

Yuo can also specify the what the user can export in the settings of Power BI Desktop

 

Wikkleyn_81_0-1728628855264.png

 

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2 REPLIES 2
Wikkleyn_81
Super User
Super User

Hi @NadyaTBC You requrie at least Contributor permission to download the pbix file.

 

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/create-reports/service-export-to-pbix#limitations-when-do... 

 

Yuo can also specify the what the user can export in the settings of Power BI Desktop

 

Wikkleyn_81_0-1728628855264.png

 

Hi @NadyaTBC ,

There is no functionality available to do so. As a workaround, you can create a Power BI dataset & connect your report to that. You have to keep the dataset & the report in different workspace. Add users to the report workspace only. This way, you can restrict the users to access the sensitive data. I hope this makes sense.

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