What is Power BI?

Overview

Power BI is Microsoft's business analytics platform for turning raw data into interactive reports and dashboards. Instead of static spreadsheets, you build visuals that your audience can filter, drill into, and explore.

The three pieces

• Power BI Desktop — the free Windows app where you connect to data, shape it, and design reports.
• Power BI Service — the cloud workspace where you publish, share, and schedule refreshes.
• Power BI Mobile — apps for viewing reports on phones and tablets.

Who it is for

Analysts, managers, and anyone who already lives in spreadsheets and wants reporting that scales. You do not need to be a programmer to start — but a little structured thinking goes a long way, which is what this guide builds.