How to Auto Update Power BI Desktop
Power BI Desktop does not have an automatic update feature built-in. However, there are a few ways you can achieve automatic updates with Power BI Desktop. Here are some methods:
Method 1: Use Power BI Gateway
Power BI Gateway allows you to schedule refreshes for data sources in Power BI Desktop. Here’s how you can set it up:
- Install Power BI Gateway on a computer that is always connected to your data sources.
- In Power BI Desktop, go to “File” > “Options and settings” > “Data source settings” and configure the data sources you want to refresh.
- In Power BI Service, go to “Datasets” > “Refresh settings” and set up scheduled refreshes for the datasets connected to your data sources.
- Now, whenever the scheduled refresh is triggered, Power BI Desktop will automatically update the data.
Method 2: Use Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow)
Power Automate allows you to create automated workflows, including refreshing Power BI datasets. Follow these steps:
- Create a new flow in Power Automate.
- Add a trigger that suits your needs (e.g., a schedule, a button press, etc.).
- Add an action to refresh the dataset in Power BI.
- Save and enable the flow.
Now, whenever the trigger is activated, Power BI Desktop will be automatically updated.
Method 3: Use PowerShell or other scripting languages
If you have scripting knowledge, you can write a script using PowerShell or other scripting languages to automate the update process. Here’s a simplified example using PowerShell:
$pbixFilePath = "C:\Path\to\MyReport.pbix"
& "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Power BI Desktop\bin\pbidesktop.exe" -noSplash -refresh "$pbixFilePath"
You can schedule the execution of the script using Windows Task Scheduler or other similar tools. This will update your Power BI Desktop file automatically.
These methods can help you achieve auto-updates for your Power BI Desktop reports and ensure the data is always up to date.