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When you often work in different IT environments, you can easily reach the point where a customer is working with a different Power BI desktop version than the latest one. As a developer this can become a problem, because the PBIX files are generally not backward compatible to older Power BI versions. As a result, the completed work may not even be accessible to the customer.
Why the download from the Power BI Blog does not work
In the past I used to google for the wanted release article in the Power BI Blog and then download the file there. Unfortunately, this approach no longer works, as the links now all point to the latest release. This may be good for end users, but as soon as you need a specific version, it is a disadvantage.
The solution the update archive
Fortunately, there is a solution after all. Microsoft provides at the following link an archive of all releases, including updates, a video about the update and the corresponding setup files since the release in 2015.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/fundamentals/desktop-latest-update-archive
So it’s better to save the link as a favorite if you have to change the Power BI desktop version from time to time.
The different versions are listed directly on the right side of the update archive:
Yeah, that’s useless. It has all the INFORMATION about older versions, but no download links.
Hey Rich,
I’m not sure if you’ve seen the link in the article:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/fundamentals/desktop-latest-update-archive
On that website you can download each of the old versions. Always at the end of each version you will find the download links (see screenshot attached).
If you have any questions, just let me know.
Best regards
Denis
If you scroll down one more version you will understand what Rich is saying.
Hey Peter,
thanks for the answer, I’ve seen it now.
I don’t really understand why they start removing the older versions, but I guess that’s what it is. I will think about a solution.
Best regards
Denis
Denis,
That’s helpful if you need a version September 2020 or later, but if you notice, none of the versions BEFORE that have download links.
The September 2020 version locked in the “Enhanced Metadata” feature, which is incompatible with Dynamics 365. (https://fix.lcs.dynamics.com/Issue/Details?bugId=482564&dbType=3&qc=fb519ad5018dd8d206badcba5c54558eb866803a1a39f34f2173c443ae53cce4)
The only way to update or create PowerBI reports for D365 for Operations now is to use a version PRIOR to September 2020 and turn off “Enhanced Metadata” in the optional features.
Any ideas on how to get ahold of the August 2020 version of PowerBI Desktop?
Hey Rich,
thanks for the answer. I didn’t see the change that they removed the links of the older versions. Wasn’t like that when I wrote the article… Maybe I should create my own archive 🤔
By chance I really have the August 2020 64Bit setup file. If you contact me I can send you the setup file.
Best regards
Denis
Denis,
I contacted you via your about page on this website.
Thanks,
Rich
hello denis where do i get MAY2020 version pbi file. Could you please help me out on this. I’m not able to get the link for MAY2020
Hey Bareddy,
I will check if I have the May 2020 version somewhere on my computer.
Best regards
Denis
Hi Denis, did you end up having a backup May 2020 power BI desktop file? I’m looking for this as well
Hey Denis, do you have the Jan 2020 version? Could you help me? Thanks
Hey Edryk,
I have the December 2019 version or June 2020. Would one of the versions work for you?
If yes, write me a short message on Twitter, LinkedIn or with the contact formula on the about me page.
Best regards
Denis
Hi Denis.. Appreciate your help in supporting the PowerBI users. I need June 2020 version. Please help me. I will send a message in About me page.
Sure, just drop me a message on LinkedIn or Twitter
Please i need it too
The download links are back. Well, at least for the 2021 editions. Datetime of writing: 3-Aug-2021
Leave it to Microsoft to do the dumbest crap in an effort to make things easier for people…they are screwing over an entire customer base that runs PowerBI on-prem!!! We have an older installation on prem and powerbidesktop updates automatically so we’ve been locked out of being able to edit old reports or create new ones on our server.
Classic idiot MS–act without thinking.
What will I do in this case
“”The Microsoft powerBI desktop wizard was interrupted.You system has not be
modified.To install this program ar a later time””
Please can I have 2020 version
Hey Solomon,
sure, I have multiple version of 2020.
Just contact me on LinkedIn.
Best regards
Denis
Hi Denis, do you have thr September 2020 version?
Hey Maria,
yes, I have that version as well.
Can you contact me on LinkedIn?
Best regards
Denis
Hi,
Does anyone have power bi RS 2021 version to download?
Hey Ahmet,
yes, I have a few RS 2021 versions.
Can you contact me on LinkedIn? That would be the easiest.
Best regards
Denis