PBIDS files simplify reconnecting another user to the same data source

PL-300 By islever Editorial Last updated

Get or connect to data

Short answer

A A PBIDS file carries just the source connection, so User1 double-clicks and connects directly.

Question

You have a Microsoft Power BI Desktop report named Report1 that uses an Azure SQL database as a data source. A user named User1 plans to create a report by using the same data source as Report1. You need to simplify the connection to the data source for User1. Which type of file should you create?
  1. PBIDS Correct Answer
  2. XLSX
  3. PBIT
  4. PBIX

Key Takeaways

A .pbids (Power BI dataset source) file carries just the data source connection details — double-clicking it opens Power BI Desktop and prompts straight into the authentication and connection flow for that source.

Report1 in Power BI Desktop uses an Azure SQL database, and User1 needs the simplest path to connect to that same data source when building a report.

Common mistake: Offering the PBIX report itself — that packages the whole report and model, which is overkill for connecting to a source and does not give User1 a clean connection experience.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

A PBIDS file (A) is Microsoft's purpose-built answer for this requirement: it is a small text file describing a single data source connection. When User1 opens it, Power BI Desktop launches and immediately begins the connection dialog for that Azure SQL database with the server and database pre-populated, simplifying the connection to exactly one double-click plus credentials.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

XLSX (B) is an Excel workbook with no role in Power BI data connectivity. PBIT (C) is a Power BI template that packages the full data model structure, queries, and report layout for reuse — it simplifies sharing a design, not connecting to a raw data source. PBIX (D) is the complete report file; giving User1 the report neither simplifies nor targets a connection to the database.

Community Comment Notes

The most-endorsed comment explains that a.pbids file is specifically designed to simplify connections, opening Power BI Desktop directly into the connection flow. All other commenters agree on A without significant dissent.

Official Reference

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-data-sources

This link opens the official vendor documentation in a new tab.

Community Votes

A
100%

100% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 3 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.

From public community threads 3

  1. Oleh777 👍 10 Answered A
    Answer: A. PBIDS A .pbids (Power BI data source) file is specifically designed to simplify connections to a data source. If the user double-clicks the .pbids file, Power BI Desktop opens and automatically connects them to the specified data source—making it easy for someone else (User1) to reuse the same Azure SQL connection as in Report1.
  2. Bildey 👍 2 Answered A
    A PBIDS file is specifically designed to simplify the connection to a data source in Power BI.
  3. a8d510b 👍 1 Answered A
    Answer is A

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