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How to Fix Power BI Desktop Error 0x80070002 File Not Found

Chanuka GeekiyanageChanuka Geekiyanage Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to launch Power BI Desktop after a successful installation due to a system file missing error.

How to Fix Power BI Desktop Error 0x80070002 File Not Found
Product
Power BI Desktop
Device & OS
Windows
Scenario
Launching Power BI Desktop after installing it from either the Microsoft Store or the official website.
Observed behavior
The application fails to open and displays the message 'The system cannot find the file specified' along with HRESULT error 0x80070002.
Before you start

Gather your system details, including your specific Windows version, Power BI Desktop version, and the installation source, as you will need this information when requesting support.

Solution 1Recommended

Report the Issue to the Power BI Community Forum

Since error 0x80070002 is a specific installation and launch failure, consulting the specialized Power BI support community is the most effective way to find a tailored resolution.

The Power BI Community forum is monitored by Microsoft support engineers and experienced users who can assist with specialized bugs preventing the software from locating required launch files.

1
Access the Power BI Community

Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft Power BI Community forums.

2
Create a New Thread

Sign in with your Microsoft account, navigate to the Desktop forum section, and click on the button to start a new discussion or post a question.

3
Provide Error Details

In your post, clearly state the error message 'The system cannot find the file specified' and the HRESULT code '0x80070002'. Include your exact Power BI version, Windows version, and whether you installed it from the Microsoft Store or the website executable.

Report the Issue to the Power BI Community Forum
Information: Providing complete system information in your initial forum post significantly speeds up the troubleshooting process by community experts.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What does HRESULT error 0x80070002 mean?

This is a standard Windows system error code meaning 'File Not Found'. It indicates that a file required by Power BI Desktop to launch successfully is either missing, corrupted, or inaccessible due to permission issues on your operating system.

Does this error only happen with the Microsoft Store version of Power BI?

No, error 0x80070002 can occur with Power BI Desktop installations regardless of the source. Users have reported experiencing this issue with both the Microsoft Store app and the executable downloaded directly from the official website.

Where can I find my Power BI version number if the app won't open?

You can find your installed version number without opening the app by navigating to your Windows Settings, selecting 'Apps', and then 'Installed apps'. Scroll down to locate Power BI Desktop in the list to view its version details.