If you want to install Power BI on Mac, there is no native Power BI Desktop installer for macOS. The practical options are to run Windows locally or access Power BI Desktop through a Windows environment in the cloud.
Why can’t you install Power BI on Mac?
Power BI is a powerful data visualization tool from Microsoft, but it was designed exclusively for Windows. Unlike other Microsoft Office programs like Word or Excel, there is no native version of Power BI for macOS.
In the past, users have relied on workarounds, such as:
- creating a Windows partition using Boot Camp;
- running Windows through virtual machines (e.g., Parallels, VirtualBox);
- using remote access to a Windows PC.
If your MacBook or iMac uses an Apple silicon chip such as M1, M2, or M5, Boot Camp is not available because it supports Intel-based Macs. This makes Boot Camp unsuitable for modern Apple silicon Macs.
You can still run Power BI through virtualization (e.g., Parallels, UTM), but there are drawbacks:
- You’ll need a special (often unofficial) version of Windows for ARM;
- Some Power BI features may not work correctly;
- Performance may drop when handling large data models;
- Setup is technical and time-consuming.
Aristeem — a simple cloud solution, no installation needed
Instead of trying to install Windows on your MacBook, Aristeem gives you access to a fully configured Windows environment in the cloud, where Power BI Desktop is already installed and ready to use.
Aristeem: use Power BI on Mac without local installation
- A ready-to-use Windows desktop — no need to install Power BI for Mac
- Access from any device: Mac, iPad, Chromebook, even Android
- Fast, stable performance via powerful cloud servers
- File saving via OneDrive, SharePoint, or local download
- Full support for Apple Silicon chips (M1, M2, M3 – M5)
- Secure, encrypted access via Microsoft’s RDP protocol
A more detailed list of benefits for Power BI users on Mac is available at the following link.
How it works — step-by-step
- Sign up for Aristeem
Get your personal cloud desktop with Power BI pre-installed. - Connect via Microsoft Remote Desktop
Download the free app from the App Store or use the browser-based version. - Start using Power BI Desktop
Build reports, connect your data — just like on a Windows PC. - Save your work in the cloud
Log out anytime, then pick up where you left off from any device.
Summary
Instead of dealing with technical workarounds or virtual machines, you can use Aristeem to access Power BI Desktop on a Mac without installing Windows or Power BI locally.
Ready to get started? Aristeem gives you Power BI — without the hassle.
