Forum Discussion
Cannot use composite model functionality (change your model)
Thanks everyone, figured it out with Claude. The issue was that when I published the report I had published it into MY WORKSPACE. In order for a semantic report to support a composite model, it has to be saved to a teams workspace.
I added a new workspace, published the base report to that space and then opened a blank project. I connected to the team version and immediately have the MAKE CHANGES TO THE MODEL link.
Hi tuckstar,
If the “Make changes to this model” option is completely missing, I would check the semantic model connection itself before looking at the Excel file.
With a normal live connection to a Power BI semantic model, Microsoft documents that Make changes to this model should be available either from the ribbon or the status bar. Selecting it adds a local model, after which you can bring in additional Import data such as your Excel workbook.
A few things I would verify:
- Make sure the source you connected to is actually a Power BI semantic model that supports composite models, rather than a source type with different live-connection limitations.
- Check whether the source semantic model has Discourage DirectQuery connections enabled. Microsoft documents this under DirectQuery connections to published semantic models. If that property is enabled, new composite models cannot be created on top of it.
- Confirm the tenant setting Allow DirectQuery connection to Power BI semantic models is enabled.
- If the model is on Premium or PPU, also verify the XMLA endpoint is enabled as documented for composite models.
- I would also make sure Power BI Desktop is current, then reconnect to the semantic model in a completely new PBIX and check both the Modeling ribbon and the bottom status bar for the option.
The Excel workbook itself does not need to be in the same workspace as the semantic model. Once the local model has been created, adding an Excel table in Import mode is a normal composite-model scenario.
If all of those settings are enabled and the button is still absent, I would next check whether the source semantic model was deliberately configured to block downstream composite models.
AI-assisted drafting: AI was used to help structure and phrase this response. I reviewed and validated the technical content before posting.