How to Get Started with Power BI
- George Apostolov
How to Get Started with Power BI: step-by-step guide
Head to the Microsoft App Store to download Power BI Desktop. Just search for it and click to start the installation process.
Launch Power BI Desktop and click 'Get Data' to select your data source. This is where your data journey begins!
In the 'Get Data' window, browse through available sources, select the one you need, and click 'Connect'.
Review your selected data in the preview window, make any needed adjustments, then click 'Load' to import it.
Now for the fun part! Drag fields to the canvas and select chart types from the Visualizations pane to build your report.
Fine-tune your visuals by adjusting colors, titles, and layouts. Your report is shaping up nicely!
Click the 'File' menu and select 'Save' to preserve your progress.
Quick answer: To get started with Power BI Desktop, download the app from the Microsoft App Store, connect to your data source, and load it. Next, drag fields to the canvas, select chart types from the Visualizations pane to build your report, fine-tune your visuals, and save your progress.
About this Power BI tutorial
Build interactive reports in Power BI by connecting data sources, selecting chart types, customizing visuals, and saving your progress. This guide shows how to get Started with Power BI in 7 steps, starting with "Head to the Microsoft App Store to download Power BI Desktop. Just search for it and cl..." and finishing with "Click the 'File' menu and select 'Save' to preserve your progress". 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 get Started with Power BI?
7 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 Get the Current Date in Power BI, How to Get the Current Month in Power BI and How to Implement Row-Level Security in Power BI. Last reviewed 05 Oct 2026.
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