Power BI desktop problem

Question

I need to download Power BI Desktop (Optimized for Power BI Report Server – January 2024).

We are using Power BI Report Server 2024, and newer Desktop versions (May 2025) are not compatible and cause errors when opening or publishing PBIX files.

The official Microsoft download link for January 2024 is no longer available.

Please provide the official installer or download link for the compatible version

Answer 1

Hello again Ahmed Nabil,

I am following up to see if you have managed to resolve the version incompatibility between your Power BI Report Server and the Desktop client. To summarize the previous technical advisory, Microsoft does not maintain a public archive for deprecated PBIRS Desktop versions, meaning the January 2024 installer is no longer obtainable through official channels. The most robust "best practice" solution is to perform an in-place upgrade of your Power BI Report Server to the latest version, which will immediately render it compatible with the modern Desktop clients your users are likely already downloading.

If an immediate server-side upgrade is not feasible during this window, your only secure option is to retrieve the specific installer file (PBIDesktopSetupRS_x64.exe, version 2.124.1960.0) from your organization's internal backups or the original SQL Server Enterprise ISO media obtained via the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). Relying on the server upgrade is strongly recommended to ensure long-term supportability and security compliance.

If the issue has been successfully resolved, please consider accepting the answer as it helps other people sharing the same question benefit too. Thank you!

VP

Answer 2

Hi Ahmed Nabil,

This is a strict version mismatch issue. Power BI Report Server (PBIRS) is one of the few Microsoft products where the Desktop client must match the Server release cycle (January, May, or September). You cannot publish reports created in a May 2025 Desktop client to a January 2024 Server because the file schema is newer than what your server can interpret.

The official Microsoft download link for the January 2024 build (Version 2.124.1960.0) has been deprecated and removed. Microsoft policy is to host only the current and immediately previous release (usually a 4-8 month window). There is no hidden official archive for the Desktop client.

Solution: The Enterprise Solution (Upgrade the Server) - This is the only way to resolve this dependency permanently and stay compliant with security patches. Since you likely have access to the current "May 2025" or "January 2026" Desktop installer, you should upgrade your Power BI Report Server to the matching version.

Download the latest Power BI Report Server installer (PowerBIReportServer.exe).

Run the installer on your server. It will detect the existing instance and perform an in-place upgrade. This preserves your reports, database, and configurations.

Your server will now be compatible with the modern Desktop clients you already have.

If you cannot upgrade the server immediately, you must find the specific installer file from your own internal archives. Do not download from third-party "driver" sites as they are often malware vectors.

File Name: PBIDesktopSetupRS_x64.exe

Required Version: 2.124.1960.0 (Verify this via Properties > Details on any file you find).

Where to look:

• Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC): If you licensed the server via SQL Server Enterprise SA, the installation media often includes the matching Desktop client in the \Extras or \Tools folder of the ISO.
• Server Downloads Directory: Check the Downloads folder of the actual server machine or the machine of the admin who originally set up the 2024 instance. In short, do not waste time hunting for a dead link. Plan the Server In-Place Upgrade for your next maintenance window. It is the only supported path forward.

I hope you've found something useful here. If it helps you get more insight into the issue, it's appreciated to accept the answer. Should you have more questions, feel free to leave a message. Have a nice day!

VP