Installation & Setup0%
Installation & Setup
Beginner12 min read•Updated: Jul 11, 2026
Installation & Setup
Reading Time: 8 Mins | Level: Beginner to Advanced
1. System Requirements & Installation Channels
Power BI Desktop is a native 64-bit Windows application requiring:
- Windows 10, 11, or Windows Server.
- Minimum 4 GB RAM (8 GB+ strongly recommended for production models).
- .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later.
Recommended Installation Source:
Install via the Microsoft Store in Windows.
- Why? Automatic monthly background updates without needing manual downloads.
Interactive Quiz
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1
What operating system is natively required to run Power BI Desktop?
Question 2
Why is installing Power BI Desktop via the Microsoft Store preferred over manual MSI download?
Question 3
What is the minimum recommended RAM for smooth development in Power BI Desktop?
Question 4
Can Power BI Desktop run natively on Apple Mac Silicon (M1/M2/M3)?
Question 5
Does using Power BI Desktop require an active Microsoft Pro or Premium paid license?
Next Lesson
Power BI Interface Tour
Continue learning with hands-on practice, examples, and exercises in the upcoming topic.
Related Lessons
| Previous Lesson | Next Lesson |
|---|---|
| Power BI Workflow Overview | Power BI Interface Tour |
Practice Quiz
Test your understanding of this lesson with 5 questions. Each question has one correct answer.