Installing Power BI

Before you can build dashboards, you need the tool. In this chapter, you'll install Power BI Desktop on your Windows machine using the Microsoft Store. The installation takes just a few minutes, and by the end you'll have Power BI Desktop open and ready to go.

Task

Install Power BI Desktop on your Windows machine and confirm it opens successfully.

Task Steps

1. Install Power BI Desktop:
   • Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows machine;
   • Search for "Power BI Desktop";
   • Install the app from Microsoft Corporation (free).
2. Open Power BI Desktop after installation completes;
3. Close any welcome screens or "What's New" dialogs that appear;
4. Confirm your version:
   • Click About in the bottom left corner;
   • Note the version number displayed.

Expected Outcome

• Power BI Desktop installed and running;
• Version number confirmed (any recent version is fine for this course);
• Main interface visible with a blank canvas, ribbon at the top, and Data pane on the right.