Finding Hidden Windows in Power BI!

Hidden panes and missing UI elements in Power BI and the Power Query Editor can quickly turn a productive session into a frustrating experience. In this training video, Greg Trzeciak from Pragmatic Works walks through practical, easy-to-follow techniques to restore hidden windows and regain control of both the Power Query Editor and the Power BI Desktop interface.

Understanding the Problem: Missing Power BI and Power Query Elements

Greg begins by addressing a common scenario many Power BI users encounter: opening Power Query Editor only to find that essential components appear to be missing. These may include the formula bar, the Applied Steps pane, or even parts of the Queries pane itself. While it can feel like these features were deleted, Greg clarifies that they are typically just hidden from view.

This issue often occurs accidentally when users close panes or adjust layouts without realizing the long-term impact. Understanding that these elements are not permanently removed is the first step toward fixing the problem.

Restoring the Queries Pane Using the Chevron

One of the simplest fixes Greg demonstrates involves the Queries pane in Power Query Editor. This pane can be collapsed or expanded using a small chevron icon located beneath it.

• Select the chevron to expand the Queries pane
• Instantly restore visibility of all available queries
• Improve navigation and awareness of query structure

Greg showcases this using a sample dataset and explains how helpful this view is when working through transformations, especially for learners following structured training content.

Bringing Back the Formula Bar and Applied Steps Pane

The formula bar and Applied Steps pane are critical when reviewing transformations and understanding the M code behind them. Greg explains that if these elements are missing, users should head directly to the View tab within Power Query Editor.

Under the Layout section of the View tab, users can re-enable:

• Query Settings – Restores the Applied Steps pane
• Formula Bar – Displays the M code for each transformation

Greg notes that many users close the Query Settings pane and assume it is gone for good. In reality, a single click from the View tab brings it back instantly.

Fixing Missing Parameter Options

Another subtle but impactful issue Greg highlights is the absence of parameter options when creating features such as conditional columns. If users notice that parameter selection is unavailable, the cause is often a disabled setting rather than a missing feature.

By navigating again to the View tab and ensuring that parameters are enabled, users can:

• Access parameters during conditional logic creation
• Reuse predefined values efficiently
• Maintain consistency across transformations

Once enabled, parameters become selectable wherever they are supported within Power Query.

Managing Panes in the Power BI Desktop Experience

After closing and applying changes in Power Query Editor, Greg shifts focus to the Power BI Desktop interface. Modern Power BI layouts rely heavily on collapsible panes, which can be opened, closed, or rearranged using icons, chevrons, and menu options.

Greg demonstrates how users can access:

• Filters pane
• Data pane
• Build and formatting panes
• Copilot and additional visualization tools

Using the plus icon and pane manager, users can customize which panes are visible. However, Greg cautions that opening too many panes at once can limit report canvas space.

Resetting and Customizing Your Workspace

To solve cluttered or hidden layouts, Greg once again points users to the View tab. From there, the pane manager allows users to toggle individual panes on or off, close them entirely, or rebuild their workspace from scratch.

This flexibility makes it easy to:

• Remove unnecessary panes
• Focus on report design
• Reintroduce tools only when needed

Greg emphasizes that whenever something appears missing in Power BI, the View tab is almost always the best place to start.

Final Thoughts

Hidden panes in Power BI and Power Query are rarely permanent problems. As Greg Trzeciak demonstrates, a few clicks can restore critical features and dramatically improve usability. By understanding how layout controls, chevrons, and the View tab work together, users can confidently troubleshoot missing elements and customize their workspace to match their workflow.

For more practical Power BI and Microsoft Fabric tips, Greg encourages viewers to explore additional Pragmatic Works content and continue learning through real-world examples.

 Don't forget to check out the Pragmatic Works' on-demand learning platform for more insightful content and training sessions on Power BI and other Microsoft applications. Be sure to subscribe to the Pragmatic Works YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and tricks.