Restrictions with Free Power BI

[Anonymous]

I have been out of the Power BI loop for about a year now. I was an avid user at my previous job and we created all our reporting and dashboards with it. I was once again looking at using this tool at my current job as a solution to some reporting that we need done. After some new updates with Power BI, I want to make sure that I understand clearly the limitations or problems I may now face. Not looking for an overly complicated answer. 

Can you no longer share any reports or dashboards using the free version of Power BI? We have an Enterprise 3 subsciption all with the free license. Am I understnading correctly that if I create a report/dashabord and want to share it with someone I, along with the end user who is viewing the report, are going to be required to have a Pro license?

Once upon a time the only reason anyone needed a Pro license was for the gateway needed to auto refresh data, which if you were smart you could find a work around and still not need. I just need a little help understanding this. I get you can get a 12 month free trial, but what happens after 12 months? MS expects every end user that needs shared content to have a Pro license? 

[v-ljerr-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous,

• What capabilities are being added to the free service?

Beginning June 1, the free service will have capabilities equivalent to Power BI Pro. This includes the same 1 GB workbook size limit, up to 8 daily scheduled refreshes for datasets, and maximum 1 million rows/hour streaming data rate. We’re also providing access to all data sources, including those available through the on-premises data gateway.

• Which Power BI Pro capabilities are not available with the free service?

Peer-to-peer dashboard sharing, group workspaces (now called app workspaces), and analyze in Excel with Power BI apps are capabilities limited to Power BI Pro.  

• When will these changes go into effect?

Changes to the free service will go into effect on June 1.

• Will I lose access to my content (dashboards, reports) at that time?

No. You will not lose access to any content you’ve uploaded to the Power BI service. Content you’ve shared with others may no longer be accessible by recipients on June 1. Likewise, at that time you may no longer have access to content others have shared with you. Existing users of the free service who have been active within the past year can take advantage of the free 12-month extended trial of Power BI Pro. The offer will deliver the full capabilities of Power BI Pro to ensure you have the appropriate time to adjust how you use the service.

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The quick answer is yes, peer-to-peer dashboard sharing, group workspaces (now called app workspaces) are capabilities limited to Power BI Pro now. 

Regards