SQL Server Auth with Windows "Alternative Auth" fails. "Run as different user" works.

[Incipient]

If I open Power BI with "run as different user" and authenticate, then I can connect to the SQL server as expected.

If I use my current windows login and open powerbi normally, and then connect to the SQL server with "alternative credentials" it fails.

I have tried both including and excluding the domain when logging in.

I've looked at all of the various posts, but I couldn't find any solutions.

[v-eqin-msft]

Hi @Incipient ,

Sorry for my late reply.

Based on your description, if you choose Windows authentication, the credentials should be in format of Domain\UserName who has access to your database.

But from your screenshot, it seems that you enter the credentials by Database name ,right? If so ,you may switch to Datebase authentication

Best Regards,
Eyelyn Qin
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[Incipient]

The credentials I have entered are Windows Credentials (that is why I can log in with "Run as different user"), so I have selected Windows Credentials. 

[v-eqin-msft]

Hi @Incipient ,

If you're unable to authenticate, make sure you select the correct authentication method and use an account with database access. In test environments, you might use Database authentication with an explicit username and password. In production environments, you typically use Windows authentication. 

Please provide more details like some screenshots to help us clarify your scenario.

Best Regards,
Eyelyn Qin
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[Incipient]

Please see below for a better explanation, I hope this helps.

This is using windows authentication, our dba has set up a dedicated 'powerbi' windows login that has access to a few different databases. This login is separate to my individual corporate login.

If I open the powerbi exe with "run as different user" PBI can connect to the datbase with "use my current credentials".

If I open PBI using my individual windows logic (e.g. I double click on the exe to open it), I need to use 'alternative credentials' to connect to the databas, however it fails - see below. 

[amitchandak]

@Incipient , do you have a separate database service login to log in on SQL server. That need to be enabled to allow alternate login

[Incipient]

It's a separate windows account that has access to that database.