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How to Obtain a Specific Older Power BI Desktop Version
Question details
An IT professional needs to find and download a specific older release of Power BI Desktop (version 2.120.963.0, 64-bit, released in August 2023) but is unable to locate the installation file through standard channels.
- Product
- Power BI
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Searching for a legacy installation file of Power BI Desktop for specific IT deployment, testing, or server compatibility requirements.
- Observed behavior
- The required August 2023 version installer is no longer publicly listed or available on the main software download pages.
Verify the exact version number and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) you need, as older versions are often required to maintain strict compatibility with specific on-premises Power BI Report Server environments.
Request the Installer from the Microsoft Power BI Community
Since older standard versions of Power BI Desktop are not officially archived for public download, the most effective method is to consult specialists in the official community forums.
Microsoft continuously updates Power BI Desktop and typically only offers the latest version for download to ensure users have the newest features and security patches. For standard versions (not Report Server versions), there is no official public archive.
To obtain a specific release like the August 2023 version (2.120.963.0), you will need to reach out to the community where Microsoft employees and specialists frequently share secure archive links.
Navigate your web browser to the official Microsoft Power BI Community website.
Use the search bar to look for 'August 2023 Desktop version 2.120.963.0'. Another user may have already requested this version, and a secure download link might be available in the replies.
If you cannot find an existing thread, log in with your Microsoft account, navigate to the 'Desktop' forum, and click 'New Message' to post your specific request. Clearly state that you need the 64-bit August 2023 installer.
Wait for a Power BI specialist or community manager to reply to your thread with guidance or a direct repository link to the required executable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft remove older versions of Power BI Desktop?
Microsoft typically only provides the most recent version of Power BI Desktop to ensure users benefit from the latest features, security updates, and bug fixes, while maintaining synchronization with the Power BI Service.
Can I run multiple versions of Power BI Desktop on the same machine?
Standard installations of Power BI Desktop generally overwrite previous versions. If you need to use a specific older version, you must uninstall your current version before installing the older executable.
Is there an official archive for Power BI Desktop previous versions?
Microsoft does not maintain a comprehensive public download archive for standard Power BI Desktop versions. However, they do maintain specific archived versions for Power BI Report Server, which operates on a different update cycle.
How can I check my current Power BI Desktop version?
Open your Power BI Desktop application, navigate to the 'Help' tab on the top ribbon, and click 'About'. A dialog box will appear displaying your current version number and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
