Service Principal or Microsoft Account in refreshing Power BI dataset

[ogureisuo]

I would like to streamline the dataset refresh process without relying on my personal account. The need to periodically update my password and token results in failures when refreshing my Power BI. My query is, what approach is preferable: utilizing a service account or simply using a Microsoft account?

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Hi @ogureisuo 

To streamline the dataset refresh process in Power BI without relying on your personal account, you could consider the following method.

Using a Service Account:

• Service accounts can be set up to handle scheduled refreshes in Power BI, thus avoiding the need to update personal credentials regularly.
• A service account can be created via Azure AD as an app registration. After registering the app, you will need to gather the App ID, Directory ID, and create a secret key.
• The service account should be granted appropriate permissions to access the required data sources, like SharePoint.
• In Power BI, you would configure the dataset refresh to use the service account details. This setup allows for automatic refreshes in the Power BI service.

For more detailed instructions and considerations, you might want to refer to the Power BI and Azure AD documentation or community forums for specific guidance on setting up and using a service account for Power BI dataset refreshes​​​​.

Dataset refresh with service account - Microsoft Fabric Community

^{Best Regards,}

^Jayleny

^{If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.}

[aj1973]

Hi @ogureisuo 

Using a service account is better. Think of it as if you have to go on vaccation or leave the compagny....