Connect to Dataset on Workspace

This article provides information on how to connect to a dataset (semantic model) from Power BI Desktop file.

Detailed Information

When you have access to an existing dataset in Power BI Service, you can reuse the dataset instead of creating a new dataset. Reusing dataset is recommended because of the efficiency. Please follow the steps below to access the dataset and create a report.

1. Open Power BI Desktop and create a new report. Select "Power BI dataset" from the “Get Data” menu. Be sure to click on the drop down arrow, not on the icon above it.
   
   
    
2. Choose the Power BI Dataset you would like to use and design your report. To verify which dataset you are using, you can see the name of the dataset you are using on the bottom right corner of your screen.
   
    
3. When you use an existing dataset, you will not see the "Data" view pane.
   
            
    
4. Create a report. Read Report Creation Workflow for more information.

Environment

• Power BI