# Re-pin workbook components when their configuration changes

> Why can an Azure dashboard show an older workbook configuration or a different time window?

- Canonical URL: https://update.dsesecurity.com/updates/dse-20260909-318-re-pin-workbook-components-when-their-configuration-changes/
- Publisher: Detection Systems & Engineering (DSE Security)
- Author: DSE Security Editorial Team
- Published: 2026-09-10T00:26:38+00:00
- Modified: 2026-09-10T01:40:03+00:00
- Last reviewed by DSE: 2026-09-09
- Resource type: Explainer
- DSE priority: Information
- Topics: Business Continuity, IT
- Reading time: 2 minutes

## What you need to know

Why can an Azure dashboard show an older workbook configuration or a different time window?

## Potentially affected

Azure Monitor workbook query components pinned to Azure dashboards.

## DSE recommendation

Review pinned components as separate published views, including their saved configuration and time-range behavior.

## Article

## Source facts

Pinning an Azure Monitor workbook component saves its configuration at that moment. Later workbook edits do not update the pinned component; Microsoft instructs users to remove and re-pin it when an update is needed. [Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-monitor/visualize/workbooks-manage).

A pinned query using a TimeRange parameter follows the dashboard’s time range and refresh behavior. A component with an explicit time range instead keeps that range regardless of dashboard settings, and its query does not automatically refresh there. Its subtitle shows the last execution time. Queries using the merge data source cannot currently be pinned. [Microsoft Learn](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-monitor/visualize/workbooks-manage).

## Applicability

Use this check for Azure Monitor workbook query components pinned to Azure dashboards. Separate an outdated component definition from a deliberately fixed historical window before diagnosing missing or stale-looking information.

## DSE recommendation

DSE recommends recording which operational dashboards contain each maintained workbook component. When a query, filter or visualization changes, review those pins explicitly rather than assuming the workbook save updates them. Decide whether each view should follow dashboard time or preserve a fixed comparison period. Make that choice clear in the view’s title or nearby explanation.

## Verification

After re-pinning an approved change, compare its query and displayed results with the workbook. Change the dashboard time range and observe the intended response. Check the subtitle’s execution time and distinguish configuration refresh from data refresh. Retain a representative comparison so the next editor can identify which view was actually updated.

## Official references

[Microsoft Learn: Manage Azure Monitor workbooks](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-monitor/visualize/workbooks-manage).

## Primary reference

- Name: Manage Azure Monitor workbooks - Azure Monitor | Microsoft Learn
- Authority: Microsoft Learn
- URL: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-monitor/visualize/workbooks-manage
- Source publication date: Not stated by the source

## Citation and use

Preferred citation: “Re-pin workbook components when their configuration changes,” DSE Security, https://update.dsesecurity.com/updates/dse-20260909-318-re-pin-workbook-components-when-their-configuration-changes/
Publishing principles: https://update.dsesecurity.com/updates/dse-updates-editorial-methodology/
Usage and citation policy: https://update.dsesecurity.com/usage/
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