desktop_list_tables

List all tables in the connected Power BI Desktop model

Server Power BI MCP Server sulaiman013/powerbi-mcp
Category Read
Risk class Low
Parameters 00 required

What desktop_list_tables does on Power BI MCP Server

AI agents call desktop_list_tables to retrieve information from Power BI MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

Why desktop_list_tables needs a policy

This tool performs a read-only enumeration of table objects in a Power BI model. It retrieves structural metadata (table names) with no side effects, no data modification, and no code execution. The action is purely informational, similar to a file listing or schema inspection.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'List all tables in the connected Power BI Desktop model' - a query operation that retrieves metadata without modification.

Questions about desktop_list_tables

What does the desktop_list_tables tool do? +

List all tables in the connected Power BI Desktop model. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Power BI MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on desktop_list_tables? +

Register the Power BI MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for desktop_list_tables: 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 Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is desktop_list_tables? +

desktop_list_tables is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit desktop_list_tables? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the desktop_list_tables 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 desktop_list_tables completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for desktop_list_tables. 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 desktop_list_tables? +

desktop_list_tables is provided by the Power BI MCP Server MCP server (sulaiman013/powerbi-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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