Get Started with Power BI Copilot

Power BI Copilot is an AI tool that helps users explore data and create reports. It uses generative AI to identify patterns, relationships, and trends in data, which can save analysts time compared to manually building reports or more often provide a starting point for further refinement. Copilot can also generate narratives that summarize data insights. AI may generate content that has mistakes. Make sure it’s accurate and appropriate before using it. 

Documentation

This video gives a comprehensive overview (length 13:14): Video link

These links give more complete and advanced information Copilot for Power BI:

Below is a summary of key features and some limitations to be aware of.  Currently, there are 6 key features for Power BI Coplot that fit into three different types of interactions you would have as a data modeler, report creator, or report consumer. 

  1. Data Modelling
    1. Measure descriptions
    2. Write DAX functions 
  2. Report Creations
    1. Explain my model
    2. Suggest Visuals
  3. Report Consumption 
    1. Summarize pages 
    2. Provide insights
    3. NLQ (Natural Language Query) 

Here are some examples of what Copilot can generate: 

Requirements/Setup

To use Power BI Copilot, the following requirements must be met: 

For Power BI Service:

  • Premium Capacity: Your workspace must be running on premium capacity, indicated by a diamond symbol next to the workspace name. Yale provides premium capacity currently at no additional cost.
  • Access Permissions:
    • Read Access: Required to generate summarized insights.
    • Edit Access: Needed to create narrative visuals and generate Copilot reports.
  • Premium Capacity Addition: Can be added to any workspace by contacting your Power BI Workspace Administrator or the Enterprise Data & Analytics team. Support link 

For Power BI Desktop: 

  1. Download the Latest Version: Ensure you have the latest version optimized for Power BI Report Service from Microsoft. Download Power BI Desktop
  2. Enable Preview Features: 
    1. Go to File → Options & Settings → Options → Preview Features and enable:
      1. Summary with Copilot visual
      2. Improve Q&A with Copilot
      3. DAX Query view
      4. DAX Query view with Copilot
      5. Measure descriptions with Copilot
      6. Copilot chat pane in report view
  3. Add a Workspace: In Power BI Desktop, navigate to File → Options & Settings → Options → Copilot (Preview). Ensure you are logged in and select a premium workspace. 

Considerations/Limitations

  • Version Compatibility: The Power BI Desktop from Yale’s Software Center is optimized for Power BI Report Server and does not support Power BI Copilot. Obtain the latest version from Microsoft. 
  • Version Check: Verify the version by checking the top ribbon in Power BI Desktop. If a month and date are displayed, you are using the version optimized for Power BI Report Server. 
  • Accuracy of AI Content: Validate the accuracy and appropriateness of AI-generated content. 
  • Copilot Pane Limitations: The Copilot pane cannot be resized and cannot modify visuals after they are generated. 
  • Complex Prompts: Copilot may struggle with complex prompts and cannot handle certain modifications such as filters or layout changes. 
  • Error Handling: Copilot does not provide error messages for unsupported features or incomplete instructions.

Further Reading