MC1156359 – (Updated) Retiring Power BI “Visualize the List” and “Visualize the Library” Features in SharePoint Online

Product:

Power BI, SharePoint

Platform:

Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Retirement, Updated message, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Power BI’s legacy “Visualize the List” and “Visualize the Library” features in SharePoint Online will retire between mid-November and mid-December 2025. New reports via these features and access to existing ones will end. Users should switch to supported alternatives like Export to Power BI and Power BI Desktop.

Details:
Updated September 30, 2025: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
Introduction
To streamline reporting experiences and focus development efforts on modern integration paths, we're retiring the legacy Power BI integration within SharePoint lists and libraries. This change supports improved performance and flexibility through supported alternatives like Export to Power BI and Power BI Desktop connections.
When this will happen:
Retirement begins mid-November and ends mid-December 2025.
There will be no extensions.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-09-20

updated:
2025-09-30

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Loss of Reporting Capabilities
Users will no longer be able to create new reports directly from SharePoint lists or libraries using the legacy integration, leading to disruption in reporting workflows.
   - roles: Business Analysts, Data Analysts
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-bi/connect-data/create-dataset-sharepoint-online-list, https://powerbi.microsoft.com/blog/deprecation-of-power-bi-integration-within-sharepoint-lists-and-libraries/

Inaccessibility of Existing Reports
Previously published reports created using the legacy integration will no longer be accessible, impacting users who rely on these reports for decision-making.
   - roles: Business Users, Executives
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-bi/connect-data/create-dataset-sharepoint-online-list, https://powerbi.microsoft.com/blog/deprecation-of-power-bi-integration-within-sharepoint-lists-and-libraries/

User Confusion and Frustration
Without proper notification and guidance, users may be confused about the changes, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
   - roles: End Users, Support Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-bi/connect-data/create-dataset-sharepoint-online-list, https://powerbi.microsoft.com/blog/deprecation-of-power-bi-integration-within-sharepoint-lists-and-libraries/

Increased Support Requests
The retirement of these features may lead to an increase in support requests as users seek assistance in transitioning to new reporting methods.
   - roles: IT Support, Helpdesk Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-bi/connect-data/create-dataset-sharepoint-online-list, https://powerbi.microsoft.com/blog/deprecation-of-power-bi-integration-within-sharepoint-lists-and-libraries/

Need for Training on Alternatives
Users will need training on supported alternatives like Export to Power BI and Power BI Desktop, which may not be readily available, leading to a skills gap.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, Project Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/power-bi/connect-data/create-dataset-sharepoint-online-list, https://powerbi.microsoft.com/blog/deprecation-of-power-bi-integration-within-sharepoint-lists-and-libraries/

Configutation Options**

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Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you're using a trusty old tool that you've relied on for years to get your work done. One day, you find out that this tool is being retired, and you need to switch to a new one. This is similar to what's happening with Power BI's "Visualize the List" and "Visualize the Library" features in SharePoint Online. These features are like that old tool, and they will be phased out between mid-November and mid-December 2025.

Think of SharePoint as a digital filing cabinet where you store all your important documents and data. The "Visualize the List" and "Visualize the Library" features are like a special lens that lets you see the data in a more visual and interactive way, right from the filing cabinet. However, this lens is being replaced with newer, more efficient options.

The good news is that there are alternatives that are like upgraded lenses, offering better clarity and flexibility. These alternatives include the "Export to Power BI" feature and using Power BI Desktop. These tools allow you to take your data out of the filing cabinet and into a more powerful environment where you can create detailed reports and analyses.

For those who have been using the old features, it's important to let them know about this change. It's like telling your team that the old tool is being replaced and showing them how to use the new one. Updating any internal guides or instructions to reflect this change will help make the transition smoother.

No special actions are needed from administrators, but it's helpful to inform users about the change and guide them on how to use the new tools. Think of it as providing a quick training session on how to use the new tool effectively.

In summary, while the old features are being retired, the new options offer more robust capabilities for data visualization and reporting. Embracing these changes can lead to improved performance and flexibility in how data is handled and presented.