[solved] Open Microsoft Power BI application in kiosk mode sing c#
# How to Open Microsoft Power BI in Kiosk Mode Using C#: A Comprehensive Guide
One of the less commonly explored features when working with Microsoft Power BI is its capability to run in kiosk mode. Typically associated with public displays or dedicated viewing stations, kiosk mode allows applications to run in a full-screen setting, limiting user interaction and focusing on content presentation. While Power BI doesn't natively support kiosk mode directly, with some clever coding in C#, developers can achieve this functionality. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps and considerations for setting up your Power BI application in kiosk mode using C#.
## Here Are The Steps to Achieve Kiosk Mode for Power BI Using C#
Firstly, let's clarify that Power BI itself does not include a switch or parameter to launch directly into a kiosk mode. As such, we'll leverage C# to create a custom application wrapper that will run our Power BI reports in a full-screen, restricted interaction mode, akin to kiosk mode.
### Step 1: Setting Up Your Environment
Before we dive into the code, ensure that you have the following prerequisites installed on your development machine:
1. **Microsoft Power BI Desktop**: This is where you'll design your reports.
2. **Visual Studio**: Any version from 2017 onwards should work for creating a C# application.
3. **.NET Framework**: Ensure you're equipped with at least .NET Framework 4.5.2.
### Step 2: Create a New C# Windows Forms Application
Open Visual Studio and start a new project. Choose a Windows Forms App (.NET Framework) as your project type, name it accordingly, and click 'Create'.
### Step 3: Designing the Form
For our kiosk mode, we'll be setting the form to cover the entire screen, essentially mimicking full-screen behavior. To achieve this, set the following form properties:
- **WindowState**: Maximized
- **FormBorderStyle**: None
- **TopMost**: True
This configuration will ensure our form takes up the whole screen without showing the taskbar or allowing easy exit.
### Step 4: Embedding Power BI
Unfortunately, Power BI reports cannot be directly embedded into a Windows Form application. Instead, we will utilize Power BI's publish to web functionality and then display the report using a WebBrowser control within our C# application. Here's how:
1. **Publish Your Power BI Report**: In Power BI Desktop, publish your report to the Power BI service and use the 'Publish to web' option to get an embed link.
2. **Add a WebBrowser Control to Your Form**: From the toolbox, drag a WebBrowser control onto your form and adjust its size to fill the form.
3. **Navigate to Your Power BI Report**: Use the `WebBrowser.Navigate(url)` method, replacing `url` with the embed link of your Power BI report.
```csharp
public YourFormConstructor()
{
InitializeComponent();
WebBrowser.Navigate("YOUR_EMBED_URL_HERE");
}
Step 5: Restricting Interaction
To further mimic a true kiosk mode, you might want to restrict user interactions. This can include disabling right-clicks, preventing navigation away from the report, and other custom restrictions based on your project's requirements.
private void WebBrowser_BeforeNavigate2(object sender, WebBrowserNavigatingEventArgs e)
{
// You can check the URL being navigated to and cancel navigation if it’s not within your allowed URLs
if (!e.Url.ToString().Contains("powerbi.com"))
{
e.Cancel = true;
}
}
Step 6: Launch and Test
After you've completed the steps above, it's time to launch your application. If all goes well, your Power BI report should display in a full-screen, kiosk-like mode, with minimal options for the user to interact outside of what you've explicitly allowed.
This Is Why A Data-First Approach Matters
Deploying applications in kiosk mode isn't just about limiting user interaction; it's also a strategic decision rooted in a data-first approach. By focusing users’ attention on specific data visualizations or reports, you effectively guide their interaction with the most relevant and impactful data insights. Tools like Flowpoint.ai excel in identifying technical and UX/UI improvements for applications, ensuring your Power BI reports in kiosk mode deliver maximum value and engagement.
How to Make the Most of Your Kiosk Mode Power BI Applications
Once your application is up and running, continually gather user feedback and usage data. This information is invaluable for iterating on your application, improving user engagement, and ensuring the reports you display are driving the desired outcomes. Remember, a successful deployment isn't just about getting the application running; it's about maintaining and improving it based on real-world use.
Conclusion
Opening Microsoft Power BI in kiosk mode using C# may seem like a niche requirement, but it's a powerful technique for environments requiring focused interaction with data reports. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can effectively showcase your Power BI reports in a controlled, full-screen environment, perfect for kiosks, information booths, or public displays.
Enterprise users and application developers will find this approach not only enhances the user experience but also focuses attention where it's most needed – on the data. As the digital landscape continues to emphasize data-driven decision-making, such innovative uses of tools like Power BI will become increasingly valuable.
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