powerbi_set_context · Power BI MCP for Claude MCP

WHAT IT DOES

What powerbi_set_context does on Power BI MCP for Claude

AI agents use powerbi_set_context to create or update resources in Power BI MCP for Claude — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Power BI MCP for Claude environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why powerbi_set_context needs a policy

This tool modifies session context (workspace and semantic model selection) in a reversible manner. While it doesn't create or delete data in Power BI itself, it changes mutable configuration state that persists until 'cleared' (as mentioned in sibling tool powerbi_clear_context).

From the tool's definition Tool description states it 'Set[s] the active Power BI workspace and semantic model IDs' — this is a persistent modification of session state that affects subsequent operations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

powerbi_set_context Rate-limited

powerbi_set_context stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "powerbi_set_context": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "powerbi_set_context_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Power BI MCP for Claude, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about powerbi_set_context

What does the powerbi_set_context tool do? +

Set the active Power BI workspace and semantic model IDs for this chat session. These values are not persisted and override Claude Desktop defaults until cleared. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Power BI MCP for Claude MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on powerbi_set_context? +

Register the Power BI MCP for Claude MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for powerbi_set_context: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Power BI MCP for Claude. Nothing to install.

What risk level is powerbi_set_context? +

powerbi_set_context is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit powerbi_set_context? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the powerbi_set_context rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block powerbi_set_context completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for powerbi_set_context. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides powerbi_set_context? +

powerbi_set_context is provided by the Power BI MCP for Claude MCP server (robertoamoreno/powerbi-mcp-claude). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.