Main
Use the two-layer approach described in README: connect to Power BI Desktop for semantic-model operations, and operate on PBIR JSON directly for report-layer changes.
Treat
skills installas the key step: it registers the skill bundle so Claude Code can discover capabilities without you memorizing commands.If PATH issues happen on Windows, prefer pipx (README explains why pip installs often land outside PATH).
Source-backed notes
- README Get Started flow is three commands:
pipx install pbi-cli-tool,pbi-cli skills install,pbi connect. - README states it requires Windows with Python 3.10+ and Power BI Desktop running for the semantic-model layer.
- README says Claude Code discovers 13 Power BI skills after installation.
FAQ
- Is this an MCP server?: No — README explicitly says ‘No MCP server’ and uses in-process interop for desktop model operations.
- Do reports require Desktop running?: README says report-layer work can operate on PBIR files without a connection.
- Why pipx?: README recommends pipx because it handles PATH automatically on Windows.