Getting Started with Microsoft Power BI Desktop

Before you can build reports in Power BI, you need Power BI Desktop installed on your computer. There are two ways to get it. You can download the installer file directly from the Power BI website, or you can install it as an app through the Microsoft Store. Both give you the same tool, so pick whichever is easier on your system.

What Your System Needs Before You Install

Power BI Desktop runs on Windows 10 or a later version. Your computer should have at least 1 GB of RAM, though 2 GB or more will run smoother. The installer comes in two builds, 32 bit and 64 bit, so check which one matches your version of Windows before you download.

Option One: Download Power BI Desktop from the Website

Step 1. Open your browser and go to the official Power BI website at powerbi dot microsoft dot com.

Step 2. Click Products in the top navigation bar.

Step 3. Select Power BI Desktop from the dropdown menu. This opens the Power BI Desktop page.

Step 4. On that page, click See download or language options. This takes you to the Download Center.

Step 5. Choose your language from the dropdown menu, then click Download.

Step 6. You will be asked to pick your Windows version, 32 bit or 64 bit. Choose the one that matches your system, then click Next. This starts the download of the Power BI Desktop installer file.

Installing Power BI Desktop Once It is Downloaded

Find the file you just downloaded and open it. This starts the installation wizard.

Click Next, then read and accept the license terms using the checkbox provided, then click Next again.

If you want to customize which features get installed, you can check or uncheck them on the next screen. Once you are happy with your choices, click Next.

Review the installation summary, then click Install to begin. This takes a few minutes. When it finishes, click Finish to complete the setup.

Option Two: Install Power BI Desktop from the Microsoft Store

Step 1. Open your browser and go to the official Power BI website again.

Step 2. Click Products in the top navigation bar.

Step 3. Select Power BI Desktop from the dropdown menu. This opens the Power BI Desktop page.

Step 4. On the Power BI Desktop page, click Download free.

Step 5. Click Open Microsoft Store. This takes you to the Power BI Desktop listing inside the Microsoft Store.

Step 6. In the Microsoft Store, click Get to start the install.

Installing Power BI Desktop through the Microsoft Store takes a little time, so stay on the page until it finishes. Once the install completes, a message will confirm that Power BI Desktop is ready to use.

Opening Power BI Desktop for the First Time

Launch Power BI Desktop and sign in with your Microsoft account. The image below shows what the interface looks like once it opens.

That covers both ways to get Power BI Desktop installed and running on your system. To go further and start building your first report, explore Prwatech’s Power BI training program, which includes placement assistance.