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How to Assign Power BI Administrator Permissions Without Global Admin Access

Natalie Taylor Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to grant administrative access for managing Power BI without giving the user broad Global Administrator privileges.

How to Assign Power BI Administrator Permissions Without Global Admin Access

Product: Power BI
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Delegating administrative permissions for Power BI management while adhering to the principle of least privilege.
Observed behavior: Currently seeking the correct administrative center and specific role name to isolate Power BI administrative permissions.

Before you start

Ensure you are signed in with an account that has Global Administrator or Privileged Role Administrator rights before attempting to modify user roles.

Solution 1Recommended

Assign the Power BI Administrator Role via Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Use the Microsoft 365 admin center to grant specialized administrative capabilities tailored specifically for Power BI.

By assigning the specific Power BI Administrator role, you maintain security by adhering to the principle of least privilege. The user will be able to manage workspaces, tenant settings, and capacities in the Power BI admin portal without accessing Exchange, SharePoint, or other Microsoft 365 services.

Access Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Navigate to Active Users

In the left-hand navigation pane, expand the 'Users' menu and click on 'Active users'.

Select the Target User

Scroll or search for the user who needs the permissions, and click on their display name to open the properties flyout pane.

Modify User Roles

Under the 'Roles' section, click on 'Manage roles'. Select 'Admin center access' and then check the box next to 'Power BI administrator'.

Save Changes

Click 'Save changes' at the bottom of the pane. The user will now have access to the Power BI admin portal.

Assign the Power BI Administrator Role via Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Role Updates: Role names and their specific permissions can occasionally change. Always refer to the latest Microsoft documentation if you cannot locate the exact role name.

Solution 2

Assign the Role via Microsoft Entra Admin Center

If you primarily manage identity and access through Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), you can assign the role directly from there.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Global Administrator and a Power BI Administrator?

A Global Administrator has unrestricted access to all administrative features and data across the entire Microsoft 365 environment. A Power BI Administrator only has full control over Power BI tenant settings, workspaces, and administrative portals, keeping other services secure.

Does the Power Platform Administrator role include Power BI permissions?

Yes. If you assign a user the Power Platform Administrator role, it grants them administrative capabilities over Power BI as well as other related services in the ecosystem, such as Power Apps and Power Automate.

How long does it take for the newly assigned admin role to take effect?

Role assignments typically process within a few minutes, but it can sometimes take up to an hour to fully propagate across Microsoft 365 and Power BI services. The user may need to sign out and sign back in to see the new administrative options.

Can I assign the Power BI Administrator role using PowerShell?

Yes, you can use the Microsoft Graph PowerShell modules to assign directory roles programmatically. This is particularly useful for bulk role assignments or automated provisioning workflows.

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