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Get started with the remote Power BI MCP server (preview)

The remote Power BI MCP server enables AI agents to query Power BI semantic models using natural language. Through the Model Context Protocol (MCP), AI assistants can retrieve model schemas, generate DAX queries, and execute queries to deliver insights from your data.

This article shows you how to:

  • Connect to the remote Power BI MCP server in Visual Studio Code
  • Connect GitHub Copilot to your Power BI semantic models
  • Validate the connection with test queries

Note

Not all MCP clients support remote endpoints. Verify that your MCP client supports HTTP-based MCP servers before proceeding.

Tip

Advanced scenario: For custom agents using Service Principal authentication, see:

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • Administrator approval - Your Power BI admin must enable the tenant setting: "Users can use the Power BI Model Context Protocol server endpoint (preview)"
  • Visual Studio Code - Download VS Code
  • GitHub Copilot - Enable GitHub Copilot in VS Code
  • Semantic model access - Build permissions on at least one Power BI semantic model
  • (Recommended) Optimized models - Prepare your semantic models for AI to improve query generation quality

Set up the remote Power BI MCP server in VS Code

The remote Power BI MCP server is available at:

https://api.fabric.microsoft.com/v1/mcp/powerbi

The easiest way to configure the server is using the one-click installer:

Install Power BI MCP server

This automatically configures the MCP server in your VS Code settings.

Manual installation

To manually configure the server, add the following to your MCP configuration file:

{
    "servers": {
        "powerbi-remote": {
            "type": "http",
            "url": "https://api.fabric.microsoft.com/v1/mcp/powerbi"
        }
    }
}

Learn more: MCP servers in VS Code

Test your connection

Once configured, verify the setup is working:

  1. Start the MCP server in VS Code

    • Open the MCP servers panel
    • Ensure the Power BI MCP server shows as connected

  2. Open GitHub Copilot

    1. Launch the chat window in VS Code
    2. Enable agent mode

  3. Provide your semantic model ID

    1. Get your semantic model ID from the Power BI service (see Find your semantic model ID)
    2. Share the ID with Copilot in your conversation

  4. Ask a question

    • Example: "What tables are in this semantic model?"
    • Example: "Show me the top 10 products by sales"

  5. Authorize the tool

    1. When prompted, allow Copilot to use the MCP server tool
    2. Authenticate with your Microsoft credentials if requested

  6. Review the response

    • Copilot will query your model and return results

Tip

For best query results, prepare your semantic models for AI by adding AI instructions and verified answers.

Troubleshooting: Manage MCP servers in VS Code

Next steps

Now that your MCP server is configured, explore the available tools and capabilities:

Remote Power BI MCP server tools

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