How to Connect to SQL Server in Power BI
- George Apostolov
How to Connect to SQL Server in Power BI: step-by-step guide
Open your Power BI Desktop and navigate to your report.
Go to the 'Home' tab and select 'SQL Server'.
Enter the server and database information.
Click 'OK' to connect to SQL Server.
Quick answer: To connect to SQL Server in Power BI Desktop, open your report, navigate to the Home tab, and select SQL Server. Next, enter your server and database information. Finally, click OK to establish the connection.
About this Power BI tutorial
Connect Power BI to your SQL Server database by entering your server details from the Home tab to access your data. This guide shows how to connect to SQL Server in Power BI in 4 steps, starting with "Open your Power BI Desktop and navigate to your report" and finishing with "Click 'OK' to connect to SQL Server". The interactive demo above is a click-through copy of the real Power BI interface, so you can rehearse each step before doing it in your own account.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps does it take to connect to SQL Server in Power BI?
4 steps. Each one is listed in order above, and the demo highlights exactly where to click.
Can I try it without changing my own account?
Yes. Clicking through the demo doesn't touch your Power BI data or settings. Once you know the flow, repeat it in your own workspace.
This tutorial is filed under Power BI. Related guides: How to Create a Bar Chart in Power BI, How to Create Bookmark in Power BI and How to Create Calculated Table in Power BI. Last reviewed 05 Oct 2026.
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