---
title: Top 5 Power BI Admin Settings You Need Disabled Now
description: Discover the top 5 Power BI admin settings you should disable now to protect your data and boost organizational security with expert tips from Nick Lee.
---

[Pragmatic Works Nerd News ](https://pragmaticworks.com/blog)

# [Top 5 Power BI Admin Settings You Need Disabled Now](https://pragmaticworks.com/blog/top-5-power-bi-admin-settings-you-need-disabled-now)

 Written by [Nick Lee](https://pragmaticworks.com/blog/author/nick-lee) | Jun 09, 2026

    In this insightful video, [Nick Lee](https://pragmaticworks.com/instructors/nick-lee) from Pragmatic Works shares five critical Power BI admin settings that should be disabled to protect organizational data and strengthen security. Even if you're not a Power BI admin, understanding these settings will help you communicate better with your administrators and ensure secure data governance.

 

#### 1. Disable: Guest User Invitations

This setting allows users to invite external guests to collaborate through item sharing. While useful in some scenarios—like working with contractors—leaving it open organization-wide can introduce serious risks. If enabled:

- External users gain guest accounts in your Microsoft Entra ID.
- They can view shared reports and dashboards.
- It increases exposure to accidental data leaks.

**Recommendation:** Restrict this setting to specific security groups, such as Power BI Admins, to maintain control and ensure external collaboration is deliberate and monitored.

#### 2. Disable: Shareable Links for Everyone

This option allows users to generate shareable links that grant access to reports to anyone in the organization.

- These links can be passed around freely without audit trails.
- They bypass the typical explicit sharing controls.
- Content could be viewed by users in departments that shouldn’t have access.

**Recommendation:** Disable this feature or restrict it to centers of excellence or team leads who understand the implications of wide sharing.

#### 3. Disable: Semantic Model Access via Excel Live Connection

This setting permits users to connect to semantic models using Excel pivot tables. While powerful, it opens a backdoor to sensitive data exploration.

- Allows users to build new reports outside Power BI's controlled environment.
- Can expose data that wasn’t meant for general visibility.
- Bypasses visual-level security and curated storytelling.

**Recommendation:** Restrict to specific users with clear business need. Be aware this is only available to users with contributor or member workspace roles.

#### 4. Disable: Report Downloads

Allowing users to download PBIX files removes reports from the controlled Power BI Service environment.

- Breaks Row-Level Security (RLS) once downloaded.
- Users can access all data within the model—beyond their original permissions.
- File can be stored, copied, or emailed unmonitored.

**Recommendation:** Restrict downloads to advanced users or specific groups. This is especially important if you're using RLS.

#### 5. Disable: Publish to Web

Arguably the most dangerous setting. When enabled, users can publicly publish reports accessible by anyone with a link or embed code.

- Bypasses all security, including RLS, permissions, and internal controls.
- Creates permanent URLs visible on the public web.
- Was historically used during the pandemic for public COVID dashboards, but should be rare today.

**Recommendation:** Disable this for all users. Only enable for select security groups under strict policy with valid use cases, such as public government dashboards.

#### Training Opportunity

Nick also highlights **CertXP** courses on Pragmatic Works’ platform for mastering Power BI and Microsoft certifications. Use code **nick4** for a 40% discount on the annual subscription to their on-demand learning platform.

Security is crucial in Power BI administration. Disabling these five settings reduces your data risk significantly. 

Don't forget to check out the [Pragmatic Works' on-demand learning platform](https://learning.pragmaticworkstraining.com/freeTrial/MarketingSiteODLTrial) for more insightful content and training sessions on Power BI and other Microsoft applications. Be sure to subscribe to the [Pragmatic Works YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/pragmaticworks?sub_confirmation=1) to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and tricks. 

[View full post](https://pragmaticworks.com/blog/top-5-power-bi-admin-settings-you-need-disabled-now)

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