Install/Licensing Power BI Desktop

Installing Power BI Desktop

System Requirements: 
  • OS: Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows Server 2016 or later. 
  • .NET: Version 4.7.2 or later. 
  • Memory: Minimum 2 GB (4 GB or more recommended). 
  • CPU: 1 GHz 64-bit processor or better. 
  • Browser: Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and More (Internet Explorer is not supported). 

Installation Steps: 
  • Download: Go to the Power BI Desktop download page. 
  • Install: Run the installer and follow the prompts. You can use command-line options for silent installation if needed. 
  • Launch: Open Power BI Desktop, sign in or create an account, and start creating reports. 

Power BI Report Server

System Requirements: 
  • OS: Windows Server 2016 or later, Windows 10, or Windows 11. 
  • Database: Requires SQL Server to host the report server database (SQL Server 2012 or later versions). 
  • Memory: Minimum 1 GB (4 GB or more recommended). 
  • CPU: Minimum 1.4 GHz x64 processor (2.0 GHz or faster recommended)【47†source】 

Installation Steps: 
  • Download: Obtain the installer from the Power BI service or Volume License Service Center. 
  • Install: Run the installer, select the edition (Evaluation, Developer, or enter your product key), and follow the prompts. 
  • Configure: Use the Reporting Services Configuration Manager to set up the report server, including URL reservations and database connections【45†source】【47†source】 

Licensing for Power BI

Free License: 
Allows individual users to connect to data and create reports for personal use. Collaboration features are limited unless content is shared within a Premium capacity workspace. 

Pro License: 
Employees with an M365 A5 license (most employees) have complimentary access to the Pro License. Others (with an A3 or A1 license) would need to pay approximately $9.99 per user per month. It includes features for creating, sharing, and collaborating on content with other Pro users. Pro users can share content with free users if the workspace is in Premium capacity. 

Premium Per User (PPU): 
Includes all Pro features plus additional capabilities like higher data model size limits, more frequent data refreshes, AI functionalities, and advanced dataflows. It allows sharing and collaboration with free and Pro users within Premium capacity workspaces. 

Premium Capacity: 
Provides dedicated capacity for organizations. It allows Pro and PPU users to create and save content in Premium workspaces, which can then be shared with free users. Ideal for large-scale deployments and includes advanced features not available in Pro or PPU.

Additional Resources:These resources will help you get started with Power BI installation, understand the available software, and navigate the licensing options effectively.