Power BI Connection Issues: Delete Credentials and Retry Later
Key Notes
- Set Power BI to use your default web browser for authentication.
- Modify the Power BI settings file if necessary.
- Regularly update Power BI to incorporate the latest fixes.
Resolving Authentication Errors in Power BI
Experiencing authentication errors in Power BI can be frustrating, especially when being prompted to delete your login credentials. This guide offers actionable steps to resolve the ‘We’re unable to connect’ authentication error effectively.
Steps to Overcome Authentication Problems
This section outlines a series of practical steps to rectify connection issues within Power BI.
Step 1: Ensure Default Browser Usage
Power BI might fail to connect if it’s not using your default web browser. To ensure a seamless connection, follow these steps:
- Start Power BI.
- Select File.
- Navigate to Options and Settings.
- Access the Security settings under the Global section.
- In the Authentication Browser, choose Use my default browser and click OK.
Pro Tip: After making these changes, retry connecting to your data source.
Step 2: Modify the Power BI Settings File
If the option to set the default browser is unavailable, follow these steps to adjust the Power BI settings file:
- Go to C:\Users\[Your User Name]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Power BI Desktop SSRS.
- Find Users.zip, make a backup copy of this file.
- Within the ZIP file, locate the UserInterface folder and find Settings.xml.
- Add the following line before the
</Entries>tag:
<Entry Type="UseSystemBrowserForAuthentication" Value="l1"/>
- Save your changes to the file.
This adjustment allows Power BI to utilize a web browser for authentication with data sources like SharePoint, though the change won’t appear in the standard settings interface.
Step 3: Keep Power BI Updated
To prevent connection issues, ensure that your Power BI application is up-to-date. Follow these steps to check for updates:
- Open Power BI Desktop.
- Navigate to File > Options and Settings.
- Select Updates from the GLOBAL section and check Display update notifications from Power BI Desktop.
- Click OK to confirm your selections.
Pro Tip: Always restart Power BI after applying updates to ensure all changes take effect.
Step 4: Repair or Reset Power BI
If problems persist, it may be due to a faulty installation or corrupted files. Here’s how to repair or reset the application:
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps or Apps & features.
- Locate Microsoft Power BI.
- Windows 11: Click the three dots next to it, then select Advanced Options. Windows 10: Choose the app, then click on Advanced Options.
- Hit the Repair button, and once done, check if the issue is resolved.
If the problem continues, proceed to the Advanced Options of Power BI again and click on the Reset button.
Summary
This guide provides effective solutions for Power BI users experiencing authentication errors. Setting the default browser, modifying the settings file, keeping Power BI updated, and repairing the app are essential steps. Following these methods can help you regain seamless connectivity to your data sources.
Conclusion
In conclusion, resolving Power BI connection issues related to authentication can greatly improve your data analysis experience. By following the outlined steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and eliminate errors, ensuring smooth operation of your BI activities. Don’t hesitate to revisit these tips whenever you face similar challenges!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What should I do if Power BI still fails to connect?
If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and Power BI still fails to connect, consider reinstalling Power BI or checking your network settings to ensure they are not blocking connections.
How can I ensure my Power BI is always up-to-date?
To ensure Power BI is always up-to-date, enable the automatic update notifications in the Options menu, and check for updates regularly.