Power Query: Web Editing in Power BI

Key insights

• Power Query on the web: Microsoft now lets you run Power Query inside the Power BI Service, so you can get, transform, and refresh import models directly in your browser without using Power BI Desktop.
  
• Enable editing: Turn on the workspace preview setting that allows users to edit data models in the service to access the web editor and its features.
  
• Core transformations: The web editor supports common tasks like rename, remove columns, merge fields and the Column from Examples tool for combining city and state values.
  
• Connectors and scope: You can create or edit import models from sources such as Excel, CSV, and Enter Data today, with plans to expand connector support over time.
  
• Workflow benefits: Editing semantic models on the web improves collaboration, speeds up iterations and refreshes, and reduces the need to switch between desktop and cloud tools.
  
• Editor tools and saving: The web experience includes the Applied Steps pane, the Advanced Editor, and basic data profiling; save changes in the service to preserve transformations and keep models up to date.
  

Power Query Arrives on the Web

Pragmatic Works released a clear walkthrough video demonstrating the new Power Query editing experience inside the Power BI Service, presented by Angelica Shuan. The clip shows how users can now open, edit, transform, and save import models directly in the browser, removing the previous dependence on Power BI Desktop. As a result, the update promises faster iterations and fewer context switches for analysts who prefer a web-first workflow. Moreover, the video frames this change as a step toward a fuller cloud-based analytics experience while noting that the feature is rolling out in preview and will evolve over time.

What the Demo Covers

First, the presenter walks viewers through enabling the workspace preview setting that allows model editing in the service, then opens a sample data model to demonstrate the interface. Next, she explores core interface elements including the query list, applied steps pane, and transformation tools that mirror familiar desktop actions. Viewers then see common transformations in action: renaming queries, removing unnecessary columns, merging fields for mapping, and using the Column from Examples function to combine city and state values. Finally, the demo shows how to save changes and review the sequence of applied steps so authors can track their edits without leaving the browser.

Benefits for Teams and Workflows

One clear advantage is improved collaboration: because edits happen in the cloud, team members can review and update import models without installing desktop software. Consequently, organizations with distributed teams or strict device policies can accelerate development cycles and reduce friction when sharing models. Furthermore, integrating these transformation tools into the Power BI Service centralizes semantic model editing, which simplifies documentation and governance when done carefully. At the same time, the video emphasizes that this web-based route complements existing tools like Dataflows and Datamarts rather than replacing every scenario.

Tradeoffs and Practical Challenges

However, the new web editing feature involves tradeoffs that teams must weigh. For example, while the browser experience boosts accessibility, it currently limits the creation of import models to a subset of sources such as Excel and CSV, so complex connector needs may still require Power BI Desktop. Also, the preview phase means some features and connectors are not yet available, and early adopters may encounter stability or performance limits with large data sets. Moreover, moving editing online raises governance questions about version control, change auditing, and who should have edit rights, so IT and analytics leads will need to adjust policies accordingly.

Technical Considerations and Limitations

From a technical perspective, the web-based Power Query capability includes key tools like the Advanced Editor and data profiling, but differences remain compared to the desktop experience. Consequently, users who depend on niche connectors, on-premises gateways, or advanced custom steps may find gaps until Microsoft expands support. Additionally, performance can vary because browser memory and CPU constraints differ from a locally installed desktop client, which could affect heavy transformations. Therefore, teams should plan mixed workflows: use the web for quick edits and collaboration, and switch to desktop for extensive shaping or source types not yet supported.

Outlook: Adoption and Best Practices

Looking ahead, expanding connector coverage and improving parity with desktop features will determine how widely teams adopt web editing as a primary tool. In the meantime, Pragmatic Works’ video offers practical guidance for getting started while highlighting why this feature matters for cloud-first users. To maximize benefits, organizations should combine training, role-based permissions, and change-tracking routines so edits remain transparent and reversible. As Microsoft iterates on the capability, balancing convenience, performance, and governance will be essential to successful adoption.

Keywords

Power Query web editor, Power Query Power BI Service, Power Query online editor, Power BI Service query editing, Edit Power Query in browser, Power Query cloud editing, Power BI web Power Query, Power Query web preview