Question

Pushing Data to an Existing Dataset via Power BI API from Desktop – Has anyone successfully pushed new data to an existing Power BI dataset using the API from Power BI Desktop?

I’d like to explore how to push new data into an existing Power BI dataset using the Power BI REST API from Power BI Desktop. What are the required API endpoints, authentication steps, and best practices to ensure a successful data push?

Answer 1

To push new data into an existing Power BI dataset using the Power BI REST API from Power BI Desktop, it is important to carefully manage authentication, API setup, and the dataset structure. Following are instructions on how to carry this out:

1. Use Power BI Push Dataset API

In Power BI, the data is allowed to be pushed to streaming or push datasets but not to regular imported datasets. The following are the important API endpoints:

Create Dataset:

POST https://api.powerbi.com/v1.0/myorg/datasets

Define the dataset schema in the request body.

• Push rows into the dataset:

POST https://api.powerbi.com/v1.0/myorg/datasets/{datasetId}/tables/{tableName}/rows

• Replace {datasetId} and {tableName} with actual values.
• Send JSON data containing new rows.

Delete all rows (if needed):

DELETE https://api.powerbi.com/v1.0/myorg/datasets/{datasetId}/tables/{tableName}/rows

2. Authentication & Token Generation

• Use Azure AD OAuth2 to authenticate.
• Generate an access token and pass it in the API request:

Authorization: Bearer {access_token} 

Content-Type: application/json

While using the Azure AD app, make sure that it has permissions for Dataset.ReadWrite.All and Workspace.ReadWrite.All set. Next, here are some good practices and considerations for your Azure AD App-
Establish a streaming dataset for real-time updates. Avoid huge batch updates by pushing small incremental updates. Automate the push of data using Python, PowerShell, or the new Power Automate.