Dataflow Gen 2 - does User need Pro License to connect?

[NovaBI]

Hi,

we own a Power Bi Premium Capacity, P1. 

We are able to use MS Fabric items. 

I did create a Dataflow Gen 2, every Pro User can access the query/connection via Excel e.g..

It seems like Free Users can not - is that the case? Dataflow Gen1 works for everybody. 

Could this be the case as Gen2 is Fabrics, Gen 1 PBI?

[v-vpabbu]

Hi @NovaBI,

As we haven’t heard back from you, we wanted to kindly follow up to check if the solution provided for the issue worked? or Let us know if you need any further assistance?
If our response addressed, please mark it as Accept as solution and click Yes if you found it helpful.

Regards,
Vinay Pabbu

[v-vpabbu]

Hi @NovaBI,

As we haven’t heard back from you, we wanted to kindly follow up to check if the solution provided for the issue worked? or Let us know if you need any further assistance?
If our response addressed, please mark it as Accept as solution and click Yes if you found it helpful.

Regards,
Vinay Pabbu

[Akash_Varuna]

@NovaBI Gen 2 is in Microsoft Fabric, and in order to access its features, users typically need a Pro license or equivalent Fabric-enabled permissions. While Dataflow Gen 1 supports free users within a Premium Capacity, Gen 2 aligns with Fabric's stricter licensing policies. Ask your BI team to enable the necessary Fabric features, but note that a Pro license will still be required.

[NovaBI]

@Akash_Varuna , thanks for the answer.

This was my understanding as well - but what do you mean in detail by "fabric enabled" permission?

Either you have a Fabric workspace or not - but there is not Fabric license for individuals by now, right?

[v-vpabbu · Accepted solution]

Hi @NovaBI,

There is no separate "Fabric license" for individuals. What matters is the user's license type. To access Microsoft Fabric items like Dataflow Gen2, a user must have a Power BI Pro, PPU (Premium Per User), or be on an active Fabric Trial. Even if the workspace is in a Premium Capacity (P1), Free users cannot access Gen2 dataflows, as these are considered Fabric-native features.

So when we say a user must be "Fabric-enabled," we mean they must have one of those qualifying licenses — it’s not a separate license product. This is different from Dataflow Gen1, which Free users can access in Premium workspaces. But Gen2 follows stricter Fabric licensing, which always requires a per-user Pro-level license or higher.

If this post helps, then please consider Accepting as solution to help the other members find it more quickly, don't forget to give a "Kudos" – I’d truly appreciate it!

Regards,
Vinay Pabbu