Power Bi Desktop files and Power Bi Service

[Caro13]

Hi all,

I am new to Power BI and need clarification on a probably rather simple question. So far, I did some reports in Power BI Desktop which are saved as .pbix files. 

Now, I need to register for Power BI Service as part of a training course. As my previously done reports contain sensitive information that must not end up in the cloud, I need to know if there is any chance that they are automatically uploaded to Power BI Services once I register for it. 

Based on the online instructions, it sounded to me that I need to actively publish a desktop file to Power BI Service for it to end up in the cloud, but I'd like to hear your expert opinion on it.

Thanks a lot in advance,

Carolin

[zoloturu · Accepted solution]

Hi @Caro13,

Registration in Power BI Service is not connected with uploading files and data.

Once you want to see a report in a cloud and you want to share it with colleagues you can publish PBIX to the cloud. Refer to the link - https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/desktop-upload-desktop-files (But to actually share with others you would need to buy Power BI Pro license).

You can create a report with no sensitive data and publish it to the cloud. Just to try how it works.

Regards,

Ruslan

[v-juanli-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @Caro13

Addition to zoloturu's answer, I'll fill in other details for you.

1. there is no possible that the pbix file is automatically upload to Power BI Services once you register for it.

2. you need to manualy publish a desktop file to Power BI Service for it to end up in the cloud.

3.As your previously done reports contain sensitive information that must not end up in the cloud, do you mean you don't want anyone to see your data?

when you upload your pbix file to Power BI Services, you can choose upload to My Workplace or App Workspace(if you purchase a pro account and are assigned for this capacity). file stored in My Workplace can only be viewed and changed by yourself unless you share it with others, file in App Workspace can be viewed or changed by people you add to the App Workspace.

If you want someone to see limited data, you could consider put RLS to your dataset to let only people who have permission see the specific data.

Reference

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/service-admin-power-bi-pro-in-your-organization

https://pbiwebprod-docs.azurewebsites.net/en-us/documentation/powerbi-service-workspaces/

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/desktop-upload-desktop-files

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/service-admin-rls

Best Regards

Maggie

[Caro13]

Dear Maggie,

thanks a lot for the additional info and the references. 

kind regards,
Carolin

[zoloturu · Accepted solution]

Hi @Caro13,

Registration in Power BI Service is not connected with uploading files and data.

Once you want to see a report in a cloud and you want to share it with colleagues you can publish PBIX to the cloud. Refer to the link - https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/desktop-upload-desktop-files (But to actually share with others you would need to buy Power BI Pro license).

You can create a report with no sensitive data and publish it to the cloud. Just to try how it works.

Regards,

Ruslan

[Caro13]

Dear Ruslan

thanks a lot for your answer.

Kind regards,

Carolin