> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.consoleflare.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.consoleflare.com/reporting/powerbi/installation.md).

# Installation

To download Power BI Desktop, go to the [Power BI Desktop download page](https://powerbi.microsoft.com/desktop) and select **Download Free.**

On the Microsoft Store page, select **Get**, and follow the prompts to install Power BI Desktop on your computer. 

Start Power BI Desktop from the Windows **Start** menu or from the icon in the Windows taskbar.

The first time Power BI Desktop starts, it displays the **Welcome** screen.

From the **Welcome** screen, you can **Get data**, see **Recent sources**, open recent reports, **Open other reports**, or select other links. Select the close icon to close the **Welcome** screen.

![](/files/-MjTnmFX8lNeGiCA2bi4)

#### **Understanding Power BI desktop views**

Along the left side of Power BI Desktop are icons for the three Power BI Desktop views: Report, Data, and Model, from top to bottom. The current view is indicated by the yellow bar along the left, and you can change views by selecting any of the icons.

![](/files/-MjToV5f30SB-kn5FARA)

 **Report** view is the default view.

![](/files/-MjTobaCAGNZ_7CyVKz0)

Power BI Desktop also includes the **Power Query Editor**, which opens in a separate window. In **Power Query Editor**, you can build queries and transform data, then load the refined data model into Power BI Desktop to create reports.

![](/files/-MjTpH2bVTJ7IOHeiiq7)