Power BI Won't Open On Windows: 4 Quick Fixes

Check the .NET framework

Microsoft for Business » Power BI

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by Matthew Adams 

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Power BI Desktop won't launch

Power BI Desktop is the Windows software for the BI service that enables users to set up charts and other interactive visualizations for data.

However, some users have stated in forum posts that Power BI Desktop won’t launch. Consequently, those users can’t utilize the BI Desktop software.

What can I do if Power BI won’t load?

1. Confirm That NET Framework 4.7 (or 4.8) is Enabled in Windows 10

  1. Some Windows 7 and 8 users might need to install Microsoft NET Framework 4.5. Users can download NET Framework 4.5 by clicking Download on the NET Framework 4.5 page. Then open the installer for NET Framework 4.5 to install.
  2. Windows 10 users should check that NET 4.7 is enabled for Power BI. To do so, open Run with its Windows key + R hotkey.
  3. Input ‘appwiz.cpl’ in the Open box and click OK.
  4. Click Turn Windows features on or off to open the window shown directly below.Windows Features window power bi won't launch
  5. Select the .NET Framework 4.7 Advanced Search checkbox if it’s not selected.
  6. Then click the OK button.

2. Install the Latest Power BI Gateway

Outdated Power BI gateway pipe restrictions can block users launching BI Desktop. To fix that, update the Power BI gateway by clicking Download Gateway on the gateway page. Then users can install the latest data gateway for BI by opening its setup wizard.

The data gateway installer power bi won't launch

Learn how to change the data source in Power BI with these step-by-step instructions.

3. Run Power BI With Admin Rights

  1. To run Power BI Desktop as an administrator, right-click the software’s icon on the desktop or in its File Explorer folder and select Properties.
  2. Next, click the Compatibility tab shown directly below.The Compatibility tab power bi won't launch
  3. Select the Run this program as an administrator checkbox.
  4. Click the Apply button.
  5. Select the OK option to close the window.

4. Install the Correct Power BI Version for 32-bit Platforms

  1. Users with 32-bit Windows platforms can’t run the 64-bit Power BI Desktop. To ensure the correct (and most update) Power BI system version is installed, press the Windows key + R hotkey.
  2. Enter ‘appwiz.cpl’ in Run’s Open box and click OK.The Windows uninstaller power bi won't launch
  3. Select Power BI Desktop, and click the Uninstall option.
  4. Click Yes to confirm.
  5. Restart Windows 10.
  6. Then open the Power BI Desktop download page in a browser.
  7. Click Advanced download options to open a Download Center page for Power BI.
  8. Press the Download button there.
  9. Users with 32-bit system architecture must then select the PBIDesktop.msi option.The PBIDesktop.msi option power bi won't launch
  10. Click Next to download the installer.
  11. Then install Power BI Desktop with the installer.

Getting the correct version will also eliminate the msmdsrv.exe Power BI error.

Those fixes might get Power BI Desktop up and running for some users. Users can get also send BI support tickets to Microsoft by clicking the Create Support Ticket button on the software’s troubleshooting page. However, give some of the resolutions above a shot before sending a support ticket.

Matthew Adams

Matthew Adams Shield

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it. He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes. In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.