How to Check Power BI Version

Knowing which version of Power BI Desktop you're running is a simple yet important housekeeping task that takes just a few seconds. This article will show you three quick ways to find your version number and explain why it's a good habit to keep your software current.

Why Does Your Power BI Version Matter?

You might wonder why you even need to care about the specific version number. Unlike some software locked behind slow, annual updates, Power BI Desktop releases new features, bug fixes, and performance improvements every single month. Staying current isn't just about having the latest bells and whistles, it affects your entire workflow.

Three good reasons to know your version:

• Access to new features: The Power BI team constantly adds new chart types, data connectors, and features requested by the community. If you see a cool new DAX function in a tutorial but can't find it in your app, an outdated version is the most likely culprit.
• Troubleshooting and support: When you run into an error or unexpected behavior, the very first question anyone trying to help you (whether it's on a forum like Reddit or from Microsoft support) will ask is, "What version are you using?" Sharing this detail helps a lot in diagnosing the issue.
• Compatibility: If you're sharing .PBIX files with colleagues, being on wildly different versions can sometimes cause compatibility issues. Ensuring your team is on a recent version prevents headaches when collaborating on reports.

Method 1: The Quickest Way (Inside Power BI Desktop)

This is the fastest and most common method for checking your Power BI version. If you have the application open, you’re only a couple of clicks away from the information you need.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Open the "File" Menu

With an open report (or even a blank one), look at the top-left corner of the Power BI window. Click on File to reveal the main menu, which is on a dark gray pane along the left side of the app.

Step 2: Navigate to "About"

At the very bottom of the menu options on the left-hand side, you'll see a list that includes "Options and settings" and "Help." The option you want is the final one, labeled "About." Click on it.

Pro tip: You can also get here by clicking File > Help > About. Both paths lead to the same place.

Step 3: Read the Version Number

Voilà! A pop-up window will appear in the center of your screen. This "About" window displays all the information you need about your installation.

You'll see a section clearly labeled Version. It will look something like this:

Version: 2.128.1818.0 64-bit (April 2024)

This line tells you everything: the full version number, whether you're using the 32-bit or 64-bit application (it should almost always be 64-bit these days), and conveniently, the month and year of the release.

Method 2: Checking from Your Windows Settings

What if you don’t have Power BI open or just want a different way to check? You can easily find the version number directly through your Windows settings, just like you would for any other installed application.

This method is especially useful if Power BI is failing to start and you can't get into the application's "File" menu.

Step 1: Open Your Windows Settings

Click the Start menu and type "Settings," or use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + I. When the Settings window opens, click on the Apps section.

Step 2: Find Power BI in Your "Apps & features" List

In the "Apps" section, make sure you're on the Apps & features tab. You'll see a long list of all the software installed on your computer. Scroll down until you find "Microsoft Power BI Desktop" or, to make it faster, use the search bar at the top of the list and type "Power BI."

Step 3: View the Version Details

Once you locate "Microsoft Power BI Desktop" in the list, you'll be able to see the version number displayed directly below the application's name. It's often small but visible right there in the list.

In some versions of Windows, you may need to click on the app name first (or click the three-dot menu icon next to it and select "Advanced options") to view the full details, a screen that includes specifications, permissions, and the version number.

Method 3: Finding Your Version in the Microsoft Store

If you installed Power BI Desktop from the Microsoft Store, checking the version is just as simple. The huge benefit of the Store version is that it updates automatically. You typically don't have to worry about being on an old version because the Store handles updates in the background.

Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store App

Open your Start menu and search for "Microsoft Store" to launch the application.

Step 2: Go to Your Library

In the Microsoft Store app, look for the Library icon, usually located in the bottom-left corner of the sidebar. Click this to see a list of all the apps you have installed from the Store.

Step 3: Locate Power BI Desktop

Scroll through your library until you find "Power BI Desktop." Right next to the app name, you'll see a "Version" number listed. If there's an update available that hasn't installed yet, you'll usually see an option here to update it manually by clicking a button that says "Update" or "Get."

Understanding Version Numbers and Update Cadence

The version number for Power BI Desktop might look like a random string of numbers, such as 2.128.1818.0, but there's a pattern to it.

• Major Updates: Power BI releases a new feature-packed version every single month. The "About" window usually includes the month and year, which is the most human-friendly way to understand how current your software is.
• Release Notes: Each monthly update comes with detailed blog posts and videos explaining every new feature, from major interface changes to small DAX improvements. You can find these on the official Microsoft Power BI Blog. This is the best place to learn about what's new and decide if you need to update.

What About the Power BI Service Version?

It's important to distinguish between Power BI Desktop and the Power BI Service. The "Service" is the cloud-based platform (app.powerbi.com) where you publish, share, and collaborate on your reports.

You don't need to check its version. Because it's a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, Microsoft manages all the updates on their end. The Power BI Service is always running on the latest version for everyone. You never have to manually update or install anything for it.

The only exception to this is for organizations using Power BI Report Server, an on-premises solution. In that case, your IT department would manage the updates, which follow a slower release cycle than the monthly Desktop updates.

The Best Way to Keep Power BI Up-to-Date

For most individual users, the easiest way to stay current is to install Power BI Desktop directly from the Microsoft Store. It handles all updates automatically and seamlessly in the background, so you can just open the app and trust that you have the latest features and security fixes.

If you downloaded Power BI using the direct download link from Microsoft's website, you will need to manually check for and install updates. Each month, you'll have to go back to the site and download the new installer. This method provides more control, which is often preferred by IT departments deploying software in a large organization.

Final Thoughts

Checking your Power BI version is a simple habit that ensures you have access to the latest features and can accurately troubleshoot any issues. With just a few clicks in the "About" menu or a quick search in your Windows settings, you can get the information you need in seconds.

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