The September 2024 Power BI update has officially landed, and while it doesn’t bring the fireworks of previous months, there’s one feature that’s caused a flicker of excitement: Dark Mode is back.
For many of us who spend hours in Power BI Desktop, dark mode isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a practical necessity. The eye strain is real, and working in dim environments without a blindingly bright canvas is a quality-of-life improvement we’ve been hanging out for. And now, finally, it’s returned after a brief disappearance during the preview-to-public transition.
The Return of Dark Mode
Back in 2023, Microsoft teased Dark Mode during a public preview. Many users (ourselves included) quickly made the switch, only to find it disappear before becoming officially supported. This September, it makes its full reappearance—now stable and properly integrated.
To activate it, head to:
File > Options and settings > Options > General > Appearance
And yes, you’ll need to restart Power BI Desktop to apply the change.
Community Response: A Mix of Relief and Shrugs
Around the web, the Power BI community is split. While many are relieved and happy to switch back to the darker theme, others are scratching their heads: “Is that it?”
Comments on Reddit, LinkedIn, and Microsoft’s own blog reflect this mix of joy and disappointment. While Dark Mode is appreciated, there’s a sense that it’s the only marquee feature this month—leaving some feeling this update lacks substance compared to the powerful August release that introduced visual-level format strings.
Other Notable Mentions
Aside from Dark Mode, there are a few quieter updates:
- Mobile layout auto-scroll fix: A nice quality-of-life tweak for mobile users.
- Improvements in Azure Maps visual: Better support and refinements, though still niche for many.
- DAX Query View improvements (still preview): Continued enhancements for those embracing the newer authoring experience.
But the overall feeling? This one’s a maintenance update more than a blockbuster. And that’s okay—sometimes, the platform just needs polish. But when the headline feature is a returning visual theme, the monthly changelog does feel a little light.
Final Thoughts
This September release might not go down as a classic, but it does bring back a much-loved feature that many of us depend on. Dark Mode’s return is a welcome one—and a reminder that Power BI continues to listen to its user base, even if the delivery sometimes feels a touch delayed.
For a full rundown of all changes, check out the official Power BI September 2024 Feature Summary.