cant install power bi desktop

[ninsights]

I posted a question yesterday to which the solution was "it works better in the desktop version of Power BI." So, I installed the desktop version.

Then, when I try to launch Power BI desktop, I get a box saying "initializing model" and when that goes away, I get a black screen where it looks like something is written in the upper right hand corner (but I can't read what it says).

[v-ljerr-msft]

Hi @ninsights,

Based on my research, this issue can be caused by various reasons. And following are some workarounds I have found.

Solution 1: Use software rendering instead of GPU rendering.

Power BI Desktop obtains its setting from Internet Explorer, so we need to make the change there.

1. Close Power BI Desktop

2. Open Internet Explorer

3. Click on Tools > Internet Options > Advanced > Check: Accelerated Graphics: "Use software rendering instead of GPU rendering"

4. Close all Internet Explorer windows and tabs

5. Open Power BI Desktop

Solution 2: Try stopping Nahimic for MSI if you're running Power BI Desktop on a MSI laptop. 

Solution 3: Try installing the 32 bit instead of 64 bit version of PBI Desktop from here.

Regards

[ninsights]

I changed the graphics option in Explorer. That got me to a sign-in window when Iaunch the program, but no further.

I do not have a MSI laptop.

I then installed the 32 bit version. It behaves the same way as the 64 bit version now. I can close the Window. I can see a really granular printing of my name in the upper-right corner. I can click on the black space and get the FILE menu, but only because I know where it's supposed to be. I can't actually SEE the word File on the screen.

[v-ljerr-msft]

Hi @ninsights,

As the issue seems more related to the local system configuration, and I cannot reproduce it on my side, I would suggest you create a support ticket on Power BI Support for better assistance on this issue.

Regards

[ninsights · Accepted solution]

Yes, it is definitely a local display issue and this morning I managed to figure it out. I am running two screens. If I disconnect my external display from my laptop, then start Power BI, it works. Then I can plug my external display back in and it will work too. So they key to making Power BI work for me is to start it with only one screen and then plug in screen #2.

Thank you for all of your suggestions.