If you’re aiming to host and manage interactive reports in an on-premises environment, Power BI Report Server offers the perfect solution. This guide walks you through the full setup process from installing the right tools and connecting to live data, to publishing reports and configuring secure access. Whether you’re deploying reports internally or managing sensitive business data, this setup ensures full control and flexibility.
Step 1: Install Power BI Desktop (Report Server Edition)
To get started, install the version of Power BI Desktop designed specifically for use with your on-premises report platform.
How to Download:
- Visit the Microsoft Download Center.
- Search for Power BI Desktop (Report Server).
- Choose the 64-bit version (
x64) for most modern systems. - Download and run the installer using default settings.
If you already use Power BI Desktop, ensure you’re opening the edition labeled “(Report Server)” to maintain compatibility.
Step 2: Connect to Your Data Source
This platform supports live connections to SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) in both tabular and multi-dimensional formats.
Steps:
- Open the report-optimized Power BI Desktop.
- Go to Get Data > Analysis Services.
- Enter your server name (and optionally the database).
- Select Connect Live and click OK.
- Use the Navigator pane to choose your data model.
Step 3: Build Your Report
You’ll find the design experience nearly identical to the standard version of Power BI Desktop. You can create dashboards, filters, charts, and more.
Example visuals:
- Slicers for data filtering.
- Pie or donut charts for categories.
- Bar charts for distributions or counts.
Step 4: Publish to Your Reporting Platform
With your report built, you’re ready to publish it.
Two Publishing Options:
- Manual Upload: Save locally and upload through the web portal.
- Direct Save (Recommended):
- Go to File > Save As > Power BI Report Server.
- Enter your portal URL (ending in
/reports). - Choose or create a folder for storing the report.
Step 5: Fix Common Errors (e.g., Kerberos)
After uploading, you might encounter errors linked to authentication or data access.
How to Resolve:
- On the portal, go to > Manage > Data Sources.
- Enter a username and password manually.
- Optionally enable impersonation for dynamic user access.
- Click Test Connection to verify setup.
For more in-depth help, visit Power BI training resources.
Step 6: Edit Reports Seamlessly
You can edit your report directly from the portal using Edit in Power BI Desktop. This will launch the desktop app and allow real-time updates. When you save, changes go directly back to the server.
Examples:
- Adjust visual types.
- Apply design tweaks.
- Instantly push updates live.
Step 7: Set Up Access Permissions
Ensure only the right people can view your content:
- In the portal, open Manage > Security.
- Add users or groups with the appropriate roles.
- Set permissions at the folder level when possible to save time.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your on-premises reporting solution doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these steps, you’ll create and manage interactive, secure reports efficiently. This approach is ideal for organizations needing full control over their data infrastructure.
Learn More
Visit DataBear’s Power BI Training for expert-led courses and resources to expand your skills.
