| title | FinOps toolkit Workload optimization report |
|---|---|
| description | Learn about the Workload optimization report, which identifies opportunities for rightsizing and removing unused resources to enhance efficiency. |
| author | flanakin |
| ms.author | micflan |
| ms.date | 03/11/2026 |
| ms.topic | concept-article |
| ms.service | finops |
| ms.subservice | finops-toolkit |
| ms.reviewer | micflan |
The Workload optimization report provides insights into resource utilization and efficiency opportunities based on historical usage patterns. This report helps you:
- Identify unattached disks
This report pulls data from:
- Cost Management exports or FinOps hubs
- Azure Resource Graph
The Workload optimization report is new and still in development. We will continue to expand capabilities in each release in alignment with the Cost optimization workbook. To request other capabilities, create a feature request in GitHub.
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Power BI reports are provided as template (.PBIT) files. Template files are not preconfigured and do not include sample data. When you first open a Power BI template, you will be prompted to specify report parameters, then authenticate with each data source to view your data. To access visuals and queries without loading data, select Edit in the Load menu button.
Before using this report, you need to configure Cost Management exports to provide the necessary data. The following exports are required or recommended:
| Dataset | Version | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost and usage (FOCUS) | 1.0, 1.0r2, or 1.2-preview |
Required | Provides the primary cost and usage data for resource cost analysis. |
| Price sheet | 2023-05-01 |
Recommended | Required to populate missing prices for EA and MCA accounts to show accurate cost calculations. |
| Azure Resource Graph | Latest | Required | Required to gather resource metadata for workload optimization analysis. |
For instructions on how to create Cost Management exports, see Create and manage exports. If using FinOps hubs, these exports can be configured automatically.
The Get started page includes a basic introduction to the report with links to learn more.
For instructions on how to connect this report to your data, including details about supported parameters, select the Connect your data button. Hold Ctrl when clicking the button in Power BI Desktop. If you need assistance, select the Get help button.
:::image type="content" source="./media/workload-optimization/get-started.png" border="true" alt-text="Screenshot of the Get started page that shows basic information and links to learn more." lightbox="./media/workload-optimization/get-started.png" :::
The Recommendations page provides a list of Azure Advisor cost recommendations, similar to what you see in the Azure portal. There are currently no details available in the report. Details will be added in a future release.
:::image type="content" source="./media/workload-optimization/advisor-recommendations.png" border="true" alt-text="Screenshot of the Recommendations page that shows a list of Azure Advisor cost recommendations." lightbox="./media/workload-optimization/advisor-recommendations.png" :::
The Unattached disks page lists the unattached disks sorted by cost.
The chart shows the cost of each disk over time. The table shows the disks with related properties. It includes billed and effective cost and the dates the disk was available during the selected date range. The date range is shown in the Charge period filter at the top-left of the page.
:::image type="content" source="./media/workload-optimization/unattached-disks.png" border="true" alt-text="Screenshot of the Unattached disks page that shows unattached disks sorted by cost." lightbox="./media/workload-optimization/unattached-disks.png" :::
The Workload optimization report uses Azure Resource Graph to query resource details. Azure Resource Graph has a response payload limit of 16 MB per query. The report is designed for small- and medium-sized environments and may not work for organizations with millions of resources.
If you experience a "Response payload size... exceeded the limit" error, try the following:
- Filter by subscription or tags – Update queries in Power Query Editor to filter resources by specific subscriptions or tags that are most important for your workload optimization.
- Remove unnecessary columns – Edit queries to remove columns that aren't needed for your analysis to reduce the payload size.
- Disable problematic queries – If a specific query consistently fails, you can disable it in Power Query Editor to allow other queries to load successfully.
For detailed troubleshooting steps, see Response payload size exceeded the limit in the error reference guide.
We'd love to hear about any reports, charts, or general reporting questions you're looking to answer. Create a new issue with the details that you'd like to see either included in existing or new reports.
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