7 Ways of Working Power BI Issues and How to Fix Them

You probably see the same Power BI issues when using templates like the Ways of Working Assessment. Many people say they have slow queries, failed data refreshes, and confusing error messages. The most common Power BI issues are credential errors, data refresh failures, query and OData errors, slow performance, broken visuals, DAX or formula mistakes, and security permission problems. Surveys show slow report loading and missed refresh times hurt reports and limit business value. Many known Power BI issues also deal with governance, security, and how easy it is to use. Regular troubleshooting helps you avoid these issues and keeps your Power BI reports working well. Good Power BI troubleshooting can fix most known issues fast and stop future problems.

Key Takeaways

• Check your data source credentials often to stop refresh problems and access mistakes.

• Make your data models and reports simpler by using fewer visuals and better DAX formulas. This helps them work faster.

• Fix broken visuals by checking data model links, filters, and missing columns before you publish reports.

• Use Power BI security features like roles, multi-factor authentication, and permission checks to keep your data safe.

• Do regular maintenance by watching refresh history, updating software, and using troubleshooting tools. This keeps your reports working well.

Power BI Issue: Credential Errors

Causes

You might get credential errors when loading data in Power BI. These errors can show messages like:

"The column 'Subject' specified in the 'SUMMARIZE' function was not found in the input table."

"OLE DB or ODBC error: [DataSource.Error] OData: Request failed: The remote server returned an error: (500) Internal Server Error."

These messages can happen for a few reasons:

• Your credentials for the data source are not valid or have expired.

• You use the wrong account or do not have enough permissions.

• You switch between test and production databases but forget to update parameters.

• You do not have the right roles or access in the data source, like missing SharePoint or Project Web App permissions.

• Changes in the report or data model can cause problems with compatibility.

When these Power BI issues happen, you may not refresh your data or see new results. Credential errors are very common Power BI issues, especially with templates like the Ways of Working Assessment.

How to Fix

You can fix most credential errors in Power BI by using these expert solutions:

1. Check Your Permissions

   • Make sure you have a Power BI Pro license.

   • Check that you have Build permissions in your workspace and the right roles in your data source.

2. Clear and Edit Credentials

   • Open Power BI and go to the "Transform data" menu.

   • Click "Data source settings."

   • Under "Global permissions," find your data source (like

https://workplaceanalytics.office.com

1. • ).

   • Click "Clear permissions" and then "Delete."

   • Close Power BI and open it again. Follow the setup steps for your dashboard.

2. Sign In with the Correct Account

   • If you used the wrong account, go to "Data source settings."

   • Click "Edit permissions," then "Edit" under Credentials.

   • In the OData feed dialog, pick "Organizational account" and sign in with the right user.

   • Save your changes and close the settings.

3. Test Data Refresh

   • Try to refresh your data in both Power BI Desktop and Power BI Service to check if the issue is gone.

Tip: Clearing cached credentials can remove old or mixed-up authentication data. This step often fixes tough Power BI issues.

If you still see error messages, check your gateway setup and make sure you use the right authentication method. Using Azure Active Directory authentication can also help you manage credentials more easily.

By following these expert solutions, you can fix most credential errors and keep your Power BI reports working well.

Data Refresh Power BI Issues

Causes

Sometimes, your Power BI reports do not show new data. This can happen when data refresh fails. If refresh does not work, dashboards do not update. This can make things confusing for users. You might see error messages like:

• "Gateway not reachable"

• "Processing error: type mismatch"

• "OAuth token expiration"

• "Uncompressed data limits exceeded"

• "Scheduled refresh timeout"

• "Access forbidden"

These errors can show up if your credentials are old or changed. The Power BI gateway might not be set up right. Big datasets can make refresh take too long or use too much memory. Changing your data model or queries can cause new problems. Network issues or Power BI outages can also stop refreshes. If you have these issues, your reports may show old or missing data.

Fix Data Refresh

There are many ways to fix data refresh problems in Power BI. Try these steps to solve most refresh issues:

1. Make sure your data gateway is updated and working. This keeps your connection strong.

2. Check your credentials. Update them if you changed your password or role.

3. Make your dataset smaller. Split big datasets into smaller ones to stop timeouts.

4. Set refresh times during less busy hours. This helps avoid network overload.

5. Look at your Power Query scripts. Fix any mistakes or type problems.

6. Watch refresh status in the Power BI Admin Portal. Find error messages and fix them early.

7. Test manual refreshes often. This helps you find problems before users do.

Tip: Always look at the Power BI service health dashboard if you think there is an outage. This can help you fix problems faster.

Most Power BI issues can be fixed with these steps. If you still have trouble, try republishing your dataset or clearing your credentials. Using these solutions will help keep your Power BI reports up to date and working well.

Query and OData Errors

Causes

You might get query errors or OData errors in Power BI. These problems can stop your reports from loading or updating. Many people talk about these issues in Power BI forums. Here are some reasons why they happen:

• Data downloads can fail if Power BI tries to get data before it is ready. This happens more with big datasets or if the data is broken.

• Sometimes, the data source gives back bad JSON. For example, a bug might make the download stop too soon or add extra words, which messes up the JSON.

• Power BI needs data in a certain way. If something is wrong, like a missing comma in a list, it will show an error.

• You might see error codes like itgensop057 or itgenoda198. These codes help you figure out what is wrong.

• Refresh errors can happen even if Power Query does not show any clear problems. This can make things confusing.

• Merges or joins that do not match, or steps that quietly remove errors, can also cause query errors.

• Power Query editor can crash if you use it for a long time, especially with big or merged tables from Excel or SharePoint.

Note: Streaming data can make Power BI faster, but it can also cause downloads to be incomplete if some company data is not ready.

How to Fix

You can use different ways to fix query and OData errors in Power BI. Try these steps to solve most problems:

1. Check the Data Source
   Download the JSON file in your browser. Look for mistakes or extra words in the file. This helps you find problems before they get to Power BI.

2. Replace Errors with Nulls
   In Power Query, use "Replace Errors." Go to the Transform tab and pick "Replace Errors" to turn errors into null values. This lets your report update even if some data is wrong.

= Table.ReplaceErrorValues(#"Previous Step", {{"ColumnName", null}})

1. Review Query Steps
   Look for merges or joins that do not match. Remove or fix any steps that could cause errors.

2. Monitor System Messages
   Use tools or check messages in your data platform. Community forums can also help you solve problems.

3. Limit Intensive Editing
   Save your work often when using Power Query editor, especially with big tables. This lowers the chance of crashes.

Tip: If you see confusing error messages, try updating your data in small steps. This can help you find which part of the query is causing the problem.

By using these solutions, you can fix most Power BI issues with query errors and OData errors. These expert tips help keep your reports working well and stable.

Performance Issues in Power BI

Causes

Sometimes, Power BI reports load slowly. This can make it hard to find answers fast. Many people have these problems for different reasons:

• Big datasets can slow down your reports. If you use too much data or do not set up your model well, reports will load slowly.

• Where your data comes from matters. Cloud settings and how you connect to your data can change the speed.

• How you design your report is important. Too many visuals, filters, or things to click can make reports slow.

• Network issues can also cause delays. If your data source, tenant, and report are not close together, you might see more lag.

• The gateway you pick affects speed too. Using the wrong gateway for your data can cause problems.

Tip: Put your report, tenant, and data source in the same region to make things faster. Pick the right gateway for your data size and refresh needs.

Improve Performance

You can use some smart steps to fix slow Power BI reports. Try these ideas to make your reports faster:

1. Make your data models simple. Use a star schema, keep relationships low, and manage how detailed your data is. This helps your reports refresh and run faster.

2. Make your DAX measures better. Do not use heavy iterators like SUMX. Use measures instead of calculated columns. Store results in variables to stop extra calculations.

3. Keep your visuals simple. Do not put too many visuals on one page. Avoid lots of conditional formatting. Combine design parts to make rendering faster.

4. Use slicers and filters carefully. Try hierarchy or drop-down slicers. Do not use too many slicers. Use report or page filters instead of showing all slicers. Control how visuals interact to stop extra queries.

5. Turn on query folding in Power Query. Push filters and changes back to the data source. Filter and remove columns early. Do not use steps that break query folding so data loads faster.

Note: Check your Power BI capacity settings often. Change them to fit how you use Power BI for the best speed and cost.

If you use these tips, you can fix most Power BI performance problems. Your reports will load faster and users will be happier. Keep testing your reports and use these steps to stop slow reports later.

Broken Visuals and Missing Columns

Causes

Sometimes, your Power BI visuals do not show up right. You might see blank charts or missing data. Sometimes, charts repeat the same value over and over. These problems often happen because of mistakes in your data model or how you set up visuals.

Here is a table that lists common problems and what causes them:

Filters or slicers can sometimes hide all your data. If you use filters that are too strong, you might not see anything. Cross-filtering can also hide important info. Custom visuals or problems with how things work together can break visuals too.

Tip: If visuals look wrong, check if columns are missing or if table links are broken.

Fix Visuals

You can fix broken visuals and missing columns in Power BI with these steps:

1. Open the Selection Pane to find visuals missing fields.

2. Drag good columns from your data model to fill in missing spots.

3. Only delete broken fields after you add new ones. This keeps your visuals safe.

4. Do these steps for every visual that has problems.

5. Save your report when you finish fixing things.

If you see missing data, go to 'Transform Data' and open Power Query Editor. Pick the table with the missing column. Look at the 'Applied Steps' list from the bottom up. Find steps that removed or changed the column. Check your main data source to see if the column is still there. If you deleted or changed a column by mistake, fix or remove that step.

You can also make your reports better by removing duplicate rows and fixing missing data. Use 'Remove Duplicates' and 'Fill Down' or 'Fill Up' tools. Replace missing values with a default or an average. Make sure your data looks the same everywhere and filter out data you do not need. These steps help stop problems with visuals not showing up right.

Note: Always check your table links and filters before you publish your Power BI reports. This helps stop broken visuals and missing columns.

DAX and Formula Errors

Causes

You might have DAX and formula problems when making reports in power bi. These problems usually happen because of small mistakes or not knowing how things work. Here are some common reasons you get formula errors:

1. You forget the right way to write DAX functions.

2. You use the wrong kind of data in your math.

3. You make a loop that confuses power bi.

4. You do not think about row or filter context, so formulas act differently.

5. You pick the wrong math function for your numbers.

6. You make your formulas too hard, so they are tough to fix.

7. You use IF statements the wrong way.

8. You forget CALCULATE when you need to change how things are counted.

9. You do not test your formulas before putting them in reports.

A usual problem in power bi is the "missing row context" error. This happens if you use a column in a measure without an iterator. For example, if you write Sales[Quantity] * Sales[Net Price], it will not work. You need to use SUMX(Sales, Sales[Quantity] * Sales[Net Price]) to get the right answer.

Troubleshoot DAX

You can fix most DAX and formula problems in power bi by using some easy steps. Try these tips to find and fix mistakes fast:

• Look at every part of your DAX formula. Check for missing brackets, commas, or other small errors.

• Use the Formula Editor in power bi. It shows you mistakes as you type.

• Check your data types in Power Query Editor. Make sure columns are the type your formula needs.

• Test your formulas in small pieces. Build them step by step and check each part.

• Use variables in your DAX formulas. This makes your math easier to read and fix.

• Always check table links. Wrong links can make problems you do not expect.

• Use CALCULATE or FILTER to control what data your formula uses.

• Make dummy measures to test parts of your formula. This helps you find where things break.

• Keep power bi updated. New versions fix bugs and help with formulas.

Tip: Use IntelliSense in power bi to catch mistakes early. It shows problems before you finish your formula.

If you follow these steps, you can fix most power bi DAX and formula problems. Careful checking keeps your reports right and easy to use.

Security and Permissions

Causes

You might have security and permissions problems in Power BI when sharing reports or giving access. These problems can stop people from seeing the right data. Sometimes, users cannot use reports at all. Many people have issues like people seeing data they should not, data leaks, or trouble sharing with others outside the company. Here are some reasons why these problems happen:

• Some users get too many permissions, so they see data they should not.

• Sharing reports with people outside the company is not always tracked, so data can get out.

• Sensitive data can leak if people export reports without the right controls.

• Some companies do not follow rules like GDPR or HIPAA, which can cause legal trouble.

• Admins sometimes have too much power, so mistakes or bad actions can happen.

• Workspaces with no owner and extra security groups make it hard to control who gets access.

• If you do not watch sharing closely, risky actions can go unnoticed.

Power BI workspaces use different data levels: Public, Internal, Confidential, and Restricted. Each level needs its own protection. For example, restricted data should use multi-factor authentication and encryption. You can use Microsoft Purview Sensitivity Labels to help follow these rules.

Tip: Check permissions often and look at activity logs. This helps you find problems early and keep your data safe.

Manage Permissions

You can control permissions in Power BI by following some simple steps. This keeps your data safe and stops most Power BI service problems.

1. Pick the right license for your business before you start.

2. Set up workspaces and apps so you know who can see and change reports.

3. Give people the right roles. Use roles like Admin, Member, Contributor, and Viewer.

4. Use Row-Level Security (RLS) so people only see their own data.

5. Protect your data with encryption when it is stored and when it moves.

6. Turn on multi-factor authentication for extra safety.

7. Only let people outside your company see reports if you really need to.

8. Watch what users do by checking Power BI and Office 365 logs.

9. Check and change permissions often to remove people who do not need access.

10. Use data loss prevention rules to stop sensitive data from being shared by mistake.

If you need more help, ask a Power BI expert or get support. This can help you fix hard Power BI service problems and keep your reports safe. Getting help also lets you learn new tips and best ways to use Power BI.

Preventing Power BI Issues

Best Practices

You can stop many Power BI issues by using good habits. Always check your credentials in both Power BI Desktop and Power BI Service. Make sure your data source settings are the same everywhere you use them. If you move a file, update the location in all places. This helps your reports refresh without problems.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-On (SSO) to keep your data safe. These tools make it harder for someone to get into your account without your okay. Set up Conditional Access Policies so only trusted people and devices can see your reports. Keep Power BI Desktop, gateways, and browsers updated. This helps stop security problems.

Here are some best practices you should follow:

• Use strong passwords and change them often.

• Protect your data sources with Power BI Gateways.

• Update and patch your software often.

• Check permissions and roles for every user.

• Make sure your data source credentials are always up to date.

Tip: The Power BI community shares lots of ways to stop future Power BI issues. You can learn from others and keep your reports safe.

Maintenance Tips

Doing regular maintenance helps you stop future Power BI issues and keeps your reports working well. Set up automatic refresh schedules and use incremental refresh for big datasets. This makes updates faster and uses less memory. Always watch your refresh history and set alerts for failures. Fix problems as soon as you see them.

Make your data sources and DAX formulas better so your reports load fast. Set different refresh times for each dataset to avoid slowdowns. Check your dashboards and data models often. Remove old or unused things to keep everything tidy.

You can use these tools for troubleshooting:

• Performance Analyzer in Power BI Desktop shows which visuals are slow.

• Query Diagnostics helps you find slow steps in your queries.

• DAX Studio Profiler and VertiPaq Analyzer give you deep info about your data model and queries.

• Power BI Premium Capacity Metrics App tracks refreshes, CPU, and memory use.

Note: The Power BI community says to check your data models and refresh settings often. This helps you find problems early and fix them before users notice.

Good Power BI troubleshooting and regular checks help you avoid common Power BI issues and keep your reports working well.

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Fixing Power BI issues fast helps your reports work well. When you know who owns each report and use support tools, you fix problems sooner. Quick troubleshooting means less waiting and a smoother workflow. Using good habits gives you long-term benefits:

• Fewer security problems and better rule-following

• Reports that load faster and work every time

• Better control of data and more trust

Keep learning by joining user groups and reading Power BI blogs. Practice with real data to get better at solving problems. Always try to improve so your Power BI skills stay strong.

FAQ

How do you fix a Power BI data refresh error?

You can check your gateway connection. Update your credentials. Try refreshing your data manually. Look for error messages in the refresh history.

Why do visuals disappear in Power BI reports?

Visuals can disappear if columns are missing or filters hide all data. You should check your data model and make sure all links work.

What should you do if you see a credential error?

Go to Data source settings. Clear old permissions. Sign in with your correct organizational account. Save your changes and try again.

How can you improve Power BI report speed?

You can simplify your data model. Remove extra visuals. Use fewer slicers. Turn on query folding in Power Query.