How to Remove Data Source From Power Bi Desktop?

If you’re working with data in Power BI Desktop, chances are you’ve encountered a situation where you need to remove an existing data source. It’s a relatively straightforward process, but if you don’t know what to do, it can be a bit tricky. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of removing a data source from Power BI Desktop in a few easy steps, so you can get your work done quickly and easily.

Removing Data Sources from Power BI Desktop

Power BI Desktop is a powerful data analysis and visualization tool that can be used to create stunning reports and dashboards. It allows users to connect to multiple data sources and analyze the data to gain valuable insights. However, from time to time, it may be necessary to remove a data source from Power BI Desktop. In this article, we will discuss how to remove a data source from Power BI Desktop.

Steps to Remove Data Sources

The process of removing a data source from Power BI Desktop is relatively straightforward and involves the following steps:

Step 1: Open the Data Source List

The first step is to open the data source list. To do this, click the ‘Edit Queries’ button in the Home ribbon. This will open the data source list, which contains all of the data sources that have been added to the Power BI Desktop document.

Step 2: Select the Data Source to Remove

Once the data source list is open, you can select the data source that you want to remove. To do this, simply click the checkbox next to the data source’s name.

Step 3: Click the Remove Button

Once the data source has been selected, you can remove it by clicking the ‘Remove’ button at the bottom of the list. This will remove the data source from the Power BI Desktop document.

Additional Tips

Check the Data Model

Before removing a data source, it is important to check the data model to ensure that the data source is not used in any of the queries or visualizations. If it is, then removing the data source can break the queries and visualizations.

Verify the Data Source is no Longer Needed

It is also important to make sure that the data source is no longer needed. Removing a data source is a permanent action, so it is important to make sure that the data source is no longer needed before going ahead and removing it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, removing a data source from Power BI Desktop is a relatively straightforward process. It involves opening the data source list, selecting the data source to remove, and then clicking the ‘Remove’ button. It is important to make sure that the data source is no longer needed before removing it, and to check the data model to ensure that it is not used in any of the queries or visualizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a Data Source?

A data source is a connection to an external data source. It is used to connect to a variety of data sources such as databases, flat files, and web services. It allows users to access, analyze, and visualize data from these sources. Power BI Desktop provides a variety of data sources such as SQL Server, Oracle, and Azure SQL Database.

Q2. How Do I Remove a Data Source from Power BI Desktop?

Removing a data source from Power BI Desktop is quite simple. First, click on the “File” menu and select “Options and Settings”. Then, click on the “Data Source Settings” tab. From there, you will see a list of all of your data sources. To remove a data source, simply select it and click the “Remove” button. You will be asked to confirm the removal and once you confirm, the data source will be removed.

Q3. What Happens When I Remove a Data Source From Power BI Desktop?

When you remove a data source from Power BI Desktop, all of the data associated with that data source will be deleted. This includes any queries, visuals, and reports that have been built using that data source. Additionally, any data that is stored in Power BI Desktop’s local cache will be deleted.

Q4. Are There Any Other Ways to Remove a Data Source From Power BI Desktop?

Yes, there are other ways to remove a data source from Power BI Desktop. You can also delete the data source from the Power BI service. To do this, open the Power BI service, select the “Datasets” tab, and select the data source you want to delete. Then, click the “Delete” button.

Q5. What Should I Do If I Accidentally Remove a Data Source From Power BI Desktop?

If you accidentally remove a data source from Power BI Desktop, you can restore it by using the Power BI Desktop “Restore Data Source” feature. To do this, open the Power BI Desktop, click on the “File” menu and select “Options and Settings”. Then, click on the “Data Source Settings” tab and select the “Restore Data Source” button. This will allow you to select a backup of the data source and restore it to the Power BI Desktop.

Q6. What Are Some Best Practices for Removing a Data Source From Power BI Desktop?

Some best practices for removing a data source from Power BI Desktop include: always make a backup of the data source before removing it, use the “Delete Data Source” option in Power BI Desktop instead of the “Remove Data Source” option, and always confirm the data source is no longer needed before deleting it. Additionally, you should always ensure you have the necessary permissions to delete the data source before proceeding.

Removing a data source from Power BI Desktop is a simple process that can be completed within a few clicks. With the help of this tutorial, you should now be able to easily remove any data sources that are no longer needed in your Power BI Desktop project, ensuring that your project remains up to date with the most accurate data available. So go ahead and give it a try today to make sure your Power BI Desktop project is the best it can be!