link data to report in a local file

[Benjamin24]

Hello everybody,

In power BI service I downloaded my report with a dynamic connection to online data, now I would like to get this report with my data included on the pbix local file but since I downloaded it a first time  with dynamic connection I can't select the other option(cf picture) : 

My question is how can I "reunified" my report and data in a a local pbix file ? thank you

Regards,

Benjamin

[v-venuppu]

Hi @Benjamin24 ,

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any further questions or if you'd like to discuss this further. If this answers your question, please accept it as a solution and give it a 'Kudos' so other community members with similar problems can find a solution faster.

Thank you.

[v-venuppu]

Hi @Benjamin24 ,

May I ask if you have resolved this issue? If so, please mark the helpful reply and accept it as the solution. This will be helpful for other community members who have similar problems to solve it faster.

Thank you.

[Benjamin24]

Hello,

I didn't resolved it because "Make sure your account has at least Build permissions on the dataset. Without it, you cannot reconnect or re-import the data." => I'm admin for power BI and this dataset and I still have the error so I don't understand where I should change this.

Regards,

[v-venuppu · Accepted solution]

Hi @Benjamin24 ,

Even if you are an admin, this error can happen due to several hidden causes. Here's how to troubleshoot:

1. Double-Check 'Build' Permission via Dataset Settings

Being an admin on the workspace does not always mean you have build access on every dataset:

• Go to Power BI Service
• Workspace → Datasets + Dataflows
• Click the three dots (...) next to the dataset --> Manage Permissions
• Confirm your name/email shows up with the ✔ Build permission

Sometimes, a dataset is shared with others using "View" but not "Build" -->even for admins.

2. Check Dataset Is Not Linked / Live-Connected from Another Workspace

• If your dataset is a live connection to another workspace's dataset, you need build access on that original source dataset too.
• Go to that original dataset's workspace and check permissions there.

3. Re-grant Permissions from Dataset Settings

Even if you're listed, try the following:

• Remove your account from permissions.
• Re-add it explicitly with Build.
• Sign out from Power BI Service and back in again to clear cache/session issues.

4. Service Principal / Security Group Block

If you’re in an enterprise:

• There might be tenant-level security settings or security groups blocking access (e.g., in Azure AD or Microsoft Entra).
• Confirm with your Power BI Admin Portal settings under: Admin Portal → Tenant Settings → Export and sharing settings → Use datasets across workspaces

5. Recheck the Power BI Desktop Connection Mode

If you’re connecting from Power BI Desktop and see the error:

• Go to Transform Data → Data Source Settings
• Clear the credentials and reconnect
• Also ensure it’s not a DirectQuery or Live Connection causing workspace-based restrictions

If All the Above Fails To Resolve

Use this reset method:

Republish the dataset from Power BI Desktop to a new workspace.

Reassign permissions from scratch-->this often clears hidden corrupt ACLs (Access Control Lists).

If this post helps, then please consider Accepting as solution to help the other members find it more quickly, don't forget to give a "Kudos" – I’d truly appreciate it! 

 Thank you.

[v-venuppu]

Hi @Benjamin24 ,

I wanted to check if you had the opportunity to review the information provided. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. If my response has addressed your query, please accept it as a solution and give a 'Kudos' so other members can easily find it.

Thank you.

[johnbasha33]

@Benjamin24 

1. Open the Report in Power BI Desktop:

   • Open your Power BI Desktop application.

   • Connect to the same data source that the online report is using (the same dataset or live connection).

2. Download the Report from Power BI Service (if you haven't already):

   • Navigate to the Power BI Service and find the report you're referring to.

   • Download it to Power BI Desktop by clicking on the "Download .pbix" button.

   • If the report uses a live connection or direct query to online data, it will open in Power BI Desktop but without the data embedded.

3. Switch to Import Mode:

   • In Power BI Desktop, you’ll see a dynamic connection (DirectQuery or live connection) being used for your report.

   • You won’t be able to switch directly to Import mode from the Service download.

   • What you’ll need to do is to reconnect the data in Import mode:

     • Go to Transform Data > Data source settings.

     • For the data connection, disconnect the existing live connection.

     • Reconfigure the data connection in Import mode (this downloads the data into the file).

     • After reconnecting, ensure that the data is imported into the local .pbix file.

4. Save the Report with Data:

   • Once the data is imported into the .pbix file (as opposed to just being live connected), you can save the report with all the data embedded within the .pbix file.

Now, when you save the .pbix, it will include both the report layout and the data locally.

Did I answer your question? Mark my post as a solution! Appreciate your Kudos !!

[Benjamin24]

Hello,

When I try to reconnect to local dataset I obtain this message : 

Is it permissions that I need to change in power BI service ? Thanks

[v-venuppu]

Hi @Benjamin24 ,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Fabric Community.

Thank you @johnbasha33 for the prompt response.
Is it permissions that I need to change in power BI service ? Thanks
Yes, the error "you don't have permission for the underlying dataset" is related to permissions in the Power BI Service, and here's how to resolve it:

1. Check Dataset Permissions in Power BI Service:

• Go to Power BI Service (https://app.powerbi.com/).

• Navigate to the Workspace where the dataset is published.

• Click on the "Datasets + dataflows" tab.

• Find the dataset you're trying to connect to.

• Click the ellipsis (three dots) next to the dataset → Manage permissions.

Make sure your account has at least Build permissions on the dataset. Without it, you cannot reconnect or re-import the data.

2. Request Permissions If Missing:

If you do not see the option to manage permissions or your name is not listed with appropriate access:

• Contact the dataset owner or a Power BI admin in your organization.

• Ask them to grant you Build permission on the dataset.
  If this post helps, then please consider Accepting as solution to help the other members find it more quickly, don't forget to give a "Kudos" – I’d truly appreciate it! 

Thank you.