Unable to find Usage Metrics report dataset

[mohan_wtwco]

Hi everyone,

Until late December, I was able to view and use usage metrics reports for a few Power BI dashboards. While the usage metrics reports still appear, I’ve noticed that the underlying dataset is no longer accessible, which prevents deeper analysis or exporting the data.

In researching, I found this Microsoft article:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/collaborate-share/service-modern-usage-metrics
It suggests a change was introduced requiring a Power BI Pro or Premium Per User (PPU) license to access usage metrics.

I’d appreciate any clarification on the following:

1. Has there been a confirmed change requiring Pro or PPU licenses to access the usage metrics dataset?

2. Why would the metrics reports be visible but the dataset behind them no longer available?

3. Is there any workaround (manual export, admin reports, or APIs) to provide monthly usage tracking if licensing restrictions apply?

Any insight would be helpful—trying to determine whether this is a licensing issue, a service change, or something else entirely.

Thanks in advance!

[mohan_wtwco]

Hi @V-yubandi-msft ,

Thank you for the detailed explanation and guidance.

This helps clarify the issue. It makes sense now that Microsoft’s updated licensing requirements (Pro or PPU) are limiting access to the usage metrics dataset, even though the reports themselves still appear.

In our case, the issue started after our Power BI environment was moved to Fabric. Since then, we can still see the usage metrics reports, but the underlying dataset/model is missing, which prevents further analysis or export. This aligns with what you mentioned about potential licensing or ownership changes affecting access.

I'll explore the suggested workarounds, especially the GetActivityEvents API and manual dataset copies, to restore usage tracking.

Thanks again for the support!

[V-yubandi-msft]

Hi @mohan_wtwco ,

Could you let us know if your issue has been resolved or if you need any additional help.

Thank You.

[V-yubandi-msft]

Hi @mohan_wtwco ,

I hope my response addressed your question. If you need more information or further help, please let me know.

Thanks.

[V-yubandi-msft]

Hi @mohan_wtwco ,

I hope my response was helpful and met your requirements. Please let me know if you need any additional details or further clarification.

Thank you.

[HarishKM]

@mohan_wtwco Hey,
1) You can access / read live dataset in Power Bi desktop. To access -> Get data - power bi semantic model - select usage metric report to load semantic model in PBI desktop.

2) Once loaded then you can create a table visual to required as per data model then you can export data in excel 

3) now you can add new column or required data using it.

Thanks

Harish KM

Please accept this as a solution if this solves your problem and give kudos as well.

[V-yubandi-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @mohan_wtwco ,

Thank you for contacting the Fabric Community. Microsoft has recently updated its policy, and now you need a Power BI Pro or Premium Per User (PPU) license to access usage metrics reports and their underlying datasets. While you may still see the usage report, you'll require the correct license to explore, customize, or work with the underlying data.

As per MS Doc:

2. This issue can occur when the person who created the dataset no longer has access, such as if their Power BI license was removed. It might also happen if the credentials for the dataset have expired or haven’t been updated. Sometimes, users with limited permissions, like read only viewers, can see the report visuals but can’t access the underlying data. As a result, the report may still display, but the dataset it depends on becomes unavailable or stops working.

3. Here are a few alternative approaches you can try

1. Save a copy of the report so you can customize it and have complete access to the dataset.

2. Use the GetActivityEvents API to export detailed user activity data over time, which is helpful for monitoring report usage throughout the organization.

3. Set up automation using tools such as PowerShell scripts or Azure Data Factory to regularly collect usage logs, which is especially useful for ongoing monitoring or reporting.

Helpful Reference: Admin - Get Activity Events - REST API (Power BI Power BI REST APIs) | Microsoft Learn

Regards,

Yugandhar.