PBIX File Extension

What is PBIX file?

.PBIX files can be found within the business software application Power BI Desktop. They encompass a range of business data presented in an accessible way using visualizations. This file format allows for the opening, viewing, and exploration of business insights, potentially playing a key role within a business application suite. Alongside report files, the application also supports their templates, saved with the extension .PBIT.

What Can a PBIX File Contain?

The file format is based on Office XML, the same standard as .DOCX, .XLSX, and .PPTX files. It is, therefore, a compressed package of files in a ZIP format. A PBIX report can contain:

• metadata,
• data models,
• queries,
• visualizations,
• settings.

Extracting the contents of the file is possible without Power BI software by changing its extension from .PBIX to .ZIP and gaining access to individual format elements. However, opening them subsequently requires the appropriate application.

How to Use PBIX Files - Power BI Service

.PBIX files are the primary data saving format for the MS Power BI service in its Desktop version. In this format, it is possible to save data analysis from various sources, such as SQL or Access databases, IBM, or previously recorded in .XLSX or .CSV sheets. The software also provides an interface for connecting to online services like SharePoint, Google Analytics, or Salesforce. Inside a .PBIX file, a report is created based on sourced data, including its visualization with various chart types, color schemes, and applied filters.

Programs which support PBIX file extension

The following listing features PBIX-compatible programs. Files with PBIX extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 03/01/2024

How to open file with PBIX extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening PBIX files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Microsoft Power BI Report Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with PBIX files.

Step 1. Get the Microsoft Power BI

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports PBIX files installed on the system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install Microsoft Power BI. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support PBIX files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Microsoft Power BI website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Power BI

If the problems with opening PBIX files still occur even after installing Microsoft Power BI, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Power BI is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why PBIX files are not compatible with Microsoft Power BI. The most recent version of Microsoft Power BI is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Microsoft Power BI to PBIX files

If you have the latest version of Microsoft Power BI installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage PBIX on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the PBIX file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Microsoft Power BI installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open PBIX files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected PBIX file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Microsoft Power BI and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with PBIX extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the PBIX is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper PBIX file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The PBIX may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the PBIX is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the PBIX file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the PBIX file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the PBIX file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. When downloading the file with PBIX extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Microsoft Power BI

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support PBIX files. Close all running programs and try opening the PBIX file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Microsoft Power BI Report Format file. It may be the case that the PBIX files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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