Microsoft Power BI Quick Start Guide: The ultimate beginner's guide to Power BI, data storytelling, AI tools, and Microsoft Fabric

by Devin Knight, Erin Ostrowsky, Mitchell Pearson, Bradley Schacht

Overview

Bring your data to life with the ultimate beginner's guide to Power BI, now featuring Microsoft Fabric, Copilot, and full-color visuals to make learning data modeling, storytelling, and dashboards easier and faster than ever

Key Features

• Build data literacy and gain confidence using Power BI through real-world, beginner-friendly examples
• Learn to shape, clean, and model data using Power BI Desktop and Power Query, with zero experience required
• Build vibrant, accurate reports and dashboards with real-world modeling examples

Book Description

Updated with the latest innovations in Power BI, including integration with Microsoft Fabric for seamless data unification and Copilot for AI-powered guidance. This comprehensive guide empowers you to build compelling reports and dashboards from the ground up. Whether you're new to Power BI or stepping into a data role, this book provides a friendly, approachable introduction to business intelligence and data storytelling You'll start with the Power BI Desktop interface and its core functionality, then move into shaping and cleaning your data using the Power Query Editor. From designing intuitive data models to writing your first DAX formulas, you’ll develop practical skills that apply directly to real-world scenarios. he book emphasizes how to use visualizations and narrative techniques to turn numbers into meaningful insights The chapters focus on hands-on, real-world examples—like analyzing sales trends, tracking KPIs, and cleaning messy data. You'll learn to build and refresh reports, scale your Power BI setup, and enhance your solutions using Microsoft Fabric and Copilot. Fabric unifies analytics across your organization, while Copilot speeds up your workflow with AI-driven insights and report suggestions By the end of the book, you’ll have the confidence and experience to turn raw data into insightful, impactful dashboards

What you will learn

• Understand why data literacy matters in decision-making and careers
• Connect to data using import, DirectQuery, and live connection modes
• Clean and transform data using Power Query Editor and dataflows
• Design reports with visuals that support clear data storytelling
• Apply row-level security to enforce access and data protection
• Manage and monitor Power BI cloud for scalability and teamwork
• Use AI tools like Copilot to speed up prep and generate insights
• Learn Microsoft Fabric basics to enable unified data experiences

Who this book is for

This book is ideal for anyone looking to build a solid foundation in Power BI, regardless of prior experience. Whether you're just starting out or stepping into a new role that involves data, you'll find clear, approachable guidance throughout. The step-by-step tutorials and real-world examples make it easy to follow along—even if it’s your first time working with business intelligence tools

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781837025299
Publisher:	Packt Publishing
Publication date:	04/17/2026
Product dimensions:	75.00(w) x 92.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Devin Knight is the President at Pragmatic Works Training. There he determines which courses are created, delivered, and updated for customers, including 60+ Power BI courses. This is the eleventh SQL Server and Business Intelligence book that he has authored. Devin often speaks at conferences such as PASS Summit, Power Platform Community Conference, SQL Saturdays, and Code Camps. Making his home in Jacksonville, FL, Devin is a contributor at the local technology community groups. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of data professionals and sharing practical insights gained through years of hands-on experience. His training content has helped thousands of users around the world better understand and leverage Microsoft's data tools.

Erin Ostrowsky is a data strategist and Power BI consultant who brings storytelling and technical insight together to drive smart decisions. With roots in business journalism and a passion for visual analytics, she has trained and advised teams from mine sites to boardrooms. As a former national trainer for Pragmatic Works and co-author of the Power BI Quick Start Guide, Erin blends communication skills with real-world reporting strategy. She now focuses on helping mining, manufacturing, and construction teams turn their systems and spreadsheets into high-impact dashboards. Whether delivering training, building reports, or architecting solutions, Erin empowers clients to unlock the full value of their data.

Mitchell Pearson has worked as a Data Platform Consultant and Trainer for the last 8 years. Mitchell has authored books on SQL Server, Power BI and the Power Platform. Data Platform experience includes designing and implementing enterprise level Business Intelligence solutions with the Microsoft SQL Server stack (T-SQL, SSIS, SSAS, SSRS), the Power Platform and Microsoft Azure. Mitchell is very active in the community: Running the local Power BI User Group, presenting at user groups locally and virtually, and creating YouTube videos for MitchellSQL

Bradley Schacht is a principal program manager on the Microsoft Fabric product team based in Saint Augustine, Florida. Bradley is a former consultant and trainer and has co-authored five books on SQL Server and Power BI. As a member of the Microsoft Fabric product team, Bradley works directly with customers to solve some of their most complex data problems and helps shape the future of Microsoft Fabric. Bradley gives back to the community by speaking at events, such as the PASS Summit, SQL Saturday, Code Camp, and user groups across the country, including locally at the Jacksonville SQL Server User Group (JSSUG). He is a contributor on SQLServerCentral and blogs on his personal site, BradleySchacht.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. Data Literacy with Power BI
2. Getting Started – Importing Data Options
3. Data Transformation Strategies
4. Building the Data Model
5. Leveraging DAX to build Calculated Columns, Measures and Tables
6. Visualizing Data
7. Digital Storytelling with Power BI
8. Using a Cloud Deployment with the Power BI Service
9. Microsoft Fabric for the Analyst
10. Copilot in Power BI