We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Power BI Essentials

Starweaver /live

4.5

Based on 855 ratings

, see reviews

Starweaver /live

Power BI gives Excel users the power to extract data from multiple sources, link it together, perform calculations, and create powerful visualizations.

Power BI is an AMAZING cloud-based business analytics service provided by Microsoft that allows users to transform data into rich, interactive visual reports that present a 360-degree business view and improve business decision making.

Read more

Power BI gives Excel users the power to extract data from multiple sources, link it together, perform calculations, and create powerful visualizations.

Power BI is an AMAZING cloud-based business analytics service provided by Microsoft that allows users to transform data into rich, interactive visual reports that present a 360-degree business view and improve business decision making.

Power BI Desktop is a development platform from Microsoft that allows users to connect to a huge range of data sources, clean and transform messy data, create relationships between data sets, perform calculations and prepare stunning interactive reports.

Power BI allows users to publish their interactive reports and share certain features of those reports with others. Reports published to the platform can be set to refresh automatically and can be interacted with online using any browser or mobile device.

Or start a personal plan

And upskill with Udemy

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches data analysis and visualization using Microsoft Power BI, which is an industry-standard tool

Suitable for Excel users seeking to enhance their data analysis skills

Covers data extraction, transformation, visualization, and report sharing, providing a comprehensive understanding of Power BI's capabilities

Allows learners to create interactive reports that can be refreshed automatically and accessed online

Offered by Starweaver /live, known for providing high-quality online courses

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Power bi: a foundational skill builder

According to learners, "Power BI Essentials" is a highly effective course for anyone seeking to master Microsoft Power BI, especially those coming from an Excel background. Students consistently praise its clear explanations and practical, hands-on approach, which builds a strong foundation in data visualization and business intelligence. While the course is lauded as excellent for beginners and professionals aiming to enhance their data skills, some more advanced learners have indicated a desire for deeper dives into specific topics like DAX, noting it primarily covers essential functionalities. Overall, it's considered a valuable investment for career development.

Provides a strong base in business intelligence concepts.

"This course provides a strong foundation in using Power BI for common tasks and understanding key business intelligence concepts."

"I gained a solid foundation from completing this course that I can build upon for more advanced topics in data analytics."

"It perfectly sets the stage for anyone wanting to dive deeper into business intelligence with Power BI and other tools."

Serves as an excellent introduction to Power BI.

"As a beginner, I found this course to be the perfect introduction to Power BI. It covers all the essentials without being overwhelming."

"Great course for someone with zero Power BI experience. It really builds up your understanding from scratch, step-by-step."

"I had only used Excel, and this course smoothly transitioned me into the world of Power BI. Highly recommended for newcomers."

Focuses on hands-on activities for real-world application.

"The hands-on activities and real-world examples were the most valuable part, allowing me to apply what I learned immediately."

"I appreciate how practical this course is; I can already see how to use Power BI in my daily work and projects."

"Learned practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work, which is exactly what I needed from an essentials course."

Instructor delivers concepts with exceptional clarity.

"The instructor breaks down complex concepts into digestible, easy-to-understand modules. Really helped me grasp Power BI."

"I found the explanations to be incredibly clear, even for someone completely new to data visualization. Excellent teaching style."

"The way the material was presented made it simple to follow along and apply what I learned right away. Very engaging lectures."

Software updates require periodic content refresh.

"Power BI evolves quickly, and some parts of the course might become slightly outdated unless regularly updated by the instructor."

"I noticed a few minor UI differences from the current Power BI Desktop version, but it wasn't a major hindrance to learning."

"It would be great if the instructor could provide periodic updates to keep up with Power BI's rapid development cycle for future learners."

May not fully satisfy users seeking in-depth, complex topics.

"While excellent for basics, I wish there was more in-depth coverage on complex DAX functions or advanced modeling techniques."

"For someone who already knows the basics, some parts felt a bit slow. Could use more advanced content or separate modules."

"I would have liked to see more advanced examples or troubleshooting scenarios, but for an 'essentials' course, it is adequate."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Power BI Essentials with these activities:

Review basic data analysis concepts

Show steps

Ensure a solid foundation in data analysis concepts to enhance your understanding of Power BI's capabilities.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

Show steps

Review materials from previous data analysis courses or textbooks
Complete practice exercises to refresh your understanding

Follow Microsoft Power BI tutorials

Show steps

Supplement your learning with official Microsoft tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance on specific Power BI features and techniques.

Browse courses on Power BI

Show steps

Browse the Microsoft Power BI documentation
Select a tutorial that aligns with your learning goals
Follow the tutorial steps and complete the exercises

Organize and review course materials

Show steps

Stay organized and maximize your learning by compiling and reviewing course materials regularly.

Show steps

Create a system for organizing notes, assignments, and other course materials
Review your materials regularly to reinforce your understanding

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Read Data Visualization with Power BI

Show steps

Gain a strong foundation in Power BI's capabilities and best practices for data visualization.

View DAX Patterns: Second Edition on Amazon

Show steps

Read Chapters 1-3 to understand the basics of Power BI
Complete the exercises in Chapters 1-3 to practice creating basic visualizations

Solve Power BI challenges

Show steps

Test your understanding of Power BI by solving real-world data analysis challenges.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

Show steps

Find Power BI challenges online or in forums
Attempt to solve the challenges using your Power BI skills
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement

Create a Power BI dashboard

Show steps

Apply your knowledge of Power BI to create a visual representation of data that is both informative and engaging.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

Show steps

Identify the key metrics and data sources for your dashboard
Design the layout and visuals for your dashboard
Create and publish your dashboard

Attend a Power BI workshop

Show steps

Enhance your skills and connect with other Power BI users at a hands-on workshop led by industry experts.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

Show steps

Research and identify relevant Power BI workshops
Register for a workshop that aligns with your learning objectives
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the exercises and discussions

Mentor a junior Power BI user

Show steps

Strengthen your understanding of Power BI while helping others develop their skills and knowledge.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

Show steps

Identify opportunities to mentor junior Power BI users
Provide guidance and support on Power BI concepts and techniques
Review their work and provide constructive feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Power BI Essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use their skills in collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to identify trends and patterns. This enables them to make data-driven recommendations to help businesses make better decisions. Power BI Essentials can be a helpful course for aspiring Data Analysts, as it provides a foundation in data analysis and visualization. The course covers topics such as data modeling, data visualization, and report creation, which are all essential skills for Data Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for understanding business needs and translating them into technical requirements. They work closely with stakeholders to gather and analyze data, identify problems, and develop solutions. Power BI Essentials can be a valuable course for Business Analysts, as it provides a strong foundation in data analysis and visualization. The course covers topics such as data modeling, data visualization, and report creation, which are all essential skills for Business Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their skills in data analysis, machine learning, and statistics to solve business problems. They work with large datasets to identify trends and patterns, and develop predictive models. Power BI Essentials may be a helpful course for aspiring Data Scientists, as it provides a foundation in data analysis and visualization. The course covers topics such as data modeling, data visualization, and report creation, which are all essential skills for Data Scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use their skills in financial modeling, data analysis, and valuation to evaluate investment opportunities. They work with companies to develop financial plans and make investment recommendations. Power BI Essentials may be a helpful course for aspiring Financial Analysts, as it provides a foundation in data analysis and visualization. The course covers topics such as data modeling, data visualization, and report creation, which are all essential skills for Financial Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Market Researcher

Market Researchers use their skills in data analysis, survey design, and statistics to understand consumer behavior. They work with businesses to identify target markets, develop marketing campaigns, and measure the effectiveness of marketing efforts. Power BI Essentials may be a helpful course for aspiring Market Researchers, as it provides a foundation in data analysis and visualization. The course covers topics such as data modeling, data visualization, and report creation, which are all essential skills for Market Researchers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use their skills in mathematical modeling, data analysis, and optimization to solve business problems. They work with businesses to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and make better decisions. Power BI Essentials may be a helpful course for aspiring Operations Research Analysts, as it provides a foundation in data analysis and visualization. The course covers topics such as data modeling, data visualization, and report creation, which are all essential skills for Operations Research Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring products to market. Power BI Essentials may be a helpful course for aspiring Product Managers, as it provides a foundation in data analysis and visualization. The course covers topics such as data modeling, data visualization, and report creation, which are all essential skills for Product Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and delivering projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, develop project plans, and track project progress. Power BI Essentials may be a helpful course for aspiring Project Managers, as it provides a foundation in data analysis and visualization. The course covers topics such as data modeling, data visualization, and report creation, which are all essential skills for Project Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating sales teams. They work with sales representatives to develop sales strategies, set sales targets, and track sales performance. Power BI Essentials may be a helpful course for aspiring Sales Managers, as it provides a foundation in data analysis and visualization. The course covers topics such as data modeling, data visualization, and report creation, which are all essential skills for Sales Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with users to understand their needs and develop software solutions. Power BI Essentials may be a helpful course for aspiring Software Engineers, as it provides a foundation in data analysis and visualization. The course covers topics such as data modeling, data visualization, and report creation, which are all essential skills for Software Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. They work with users to understand their needs and develop systems that meet those needs. Power BI Essentials may be a helpful course for aspiring Systems Analysts, as it provides a foundation in data analysis and visualization. The course covers topics such as data modeling, data visualization, and report creation, which are all essential skills for Systems Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation. They work with engineers and other technical experts to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. Power BI Essentials may be a helpful course for aspiring Technical Writers, as it provides a foundation in data analysis and visualization. The course covers topics such as data modeling, data visualization, and report creation, which are all essential skills for Technical Writers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They work with designers and other developers to create websites that are both functional and visually appealing. Power BI Essentials may be a helpful course for aspiring Web Developers, as it provides a foundation in data analysis and visualization. The course covers topics such as data modeling, data visualization, and report creation, which are all essential skills for Web Developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines. They work with data scientists and other data professionals to ensure that data is clean, consistent, and accessible. Power BI Essentials may be a helpful course for aspiring Data Engineers, as it provides a foundation in data analysis and visualization. The course covers topics such as data modeling, data visualization, and report creation, which are all essential skills for Data Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, build, and maintain databases. They work with database users to ensure that databases are reliable, efficient, and secure. Power BI Essentials may be a helpful course for aspiring Database Administrators, as it provides a foundation in data analysis and visualization. The course covers topics such as data modeling, data visualization, and report creation, which are all essential skills for Database Administrators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Power BI Essentials.

Cover image

Cover image

Power Pivot and Power Bi: The Excel User's Guide to...

Save

Goes beyond the basics and covers advanced topics in Power BI.

Power Pivot and Power BI: The Excel User's Guide to...

Power Pivot and Power BI: The Excel User's Guide to...

Cover image

Cover image

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of Power BI and covers data analysis and visualization in depth.

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services: The...

Cover image

Cover image

Microsoft Power BI Complete Reference

Save

Offers a practical guide to Power BI Desktop for those who want to learn the basics of Power BI.

Microsoft Power BI Complete Reference: Bring your...

Cover image

Cover image

Pro Power BI Dashboard Creation

Save

Provides a comprehensive introduction to Power BI and covers the basics of data analytics and visualization.

Pro Power BI Dashboard Creation

Pro Power BI Dashboard Creation

Cover image

Cover image

Excel Dashboards & Reports For Dummies

Save

Provides a beginner-friendly introduction to Power BI and is easy to follow.

Excel Dashboards & Reports For Dummies (For Dummies...

Excel Dashboards & Reports for Dummies

Excel Dashboards & Reports for Dummies

Excel Dashboards & Reports For Dummies

Cover image

Cover image

Learn to Write DAX

Save

Is tailored to Excel users who want to learn Power BI. It helps bridge the gap between Excel and Power BI.

Supercharge Power BI: Power BI is Better When You...

Supercharge Excel: When you learn to Write DAX for...

Learn to Write DAX: A practical guide to learning...

Supercharge Power BI: Power BI is Better When You...

Supercharge Excel: When you learn to Write DAX for...

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Copy Link

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Power BI Essentials.

Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 2

Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society...

Advanced Manufacturing Process Analysis

Advanced Manufacturing Process Analysis

Digital Product Management: Modern Fundamentals

Digital Product Management: Modern Fundamentals

Data-driven Astronomy

Data-driven Astronomy

Julia Scientific Programming

Julia Scientific Programming

Fundamentals of Scalable Data Science

Fundamentals of Scalable Data Science

Data Wrangling, Analysis and AB Testing with SQL

Data Wrangling, Analysis and AB Testing with SQL

Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society Part 1

Social Science Approaches to the Study of Chinese Society...

Market Research and Consumer Behavior

Market Research and Consumer Behavior

Udemy Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Global Marketplace Leader

Free Trial & Audit

Free Lecture Previews

Free preview video lectures available for all courses; optional 7-day free trial on Personal Plan subscriptions (cancel before trial ends to avoid conversion).

Return & Refund Policy

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

30-day money-back guarantee on all eligible individual course purchases (provided course content has not been substantially consumed or downloaded). Subscription fees are non-refundable once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Lifetime access to purchased individual courses and future updates, verifiable certificate of completion, and direct student Q&A forums.

Key Purchase Protections

30-day 100% money-back guarantee on course purchases

Lifetime access on web, mobile, and offline

Certificate of completion included with purchase

Direct instructor Q&A and active student community

OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Rating

4.5

Time

10 hours

Via

Udemy

Instructor

Starweaver /live

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches data analysis and visualization using Microsoft Power BI, which is an industry-standard tool

Suitable for Excel users seeking to enhance their data analysis skills

Covers data extraction, transformation, visualization, and report sharing, providing a comprehensive understanding of Power BI's capabilities

Allows learners to create interactive reports that can be refreshed automatically and accessed online

Offered by Starweaver /live, known for providing high-quality online courses

Share this

Share to help others discover this course.

Link

Begin learning today

Enroll now to gain full access to Power BI Essentials.

Enroll now Enroll in this course

Save for later

Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.

Save

Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser