Data limit Filter Issue

[Jaykumar31]

Hello, 

My table has only two columns: ID and Product. The table query is a simple SELECT statement with no filtering conditions. I created a Bar Chart and applied a data limit filter of 10. However, as soon as I applied the filter, I received the following error:

> "When a filter condition uses the In operator with a table argument, all of the expressions and all of the projections in the table must be column references."

I checked that the column data types match the database columns, and I haven't used any filters directly on my table.

Could you please help me understand why I am getting this error?

[v-dineshya]

Hi @Jaykumar31 ,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community Forum.

The error you are encountering in Power BI, it caused by how the data limit filter is being applied in your bar chart.

When you apply a data limit filter like Top N or a custom filter using the IN operator, Power BI internally constructs a table expression. If that expression includes anything other than direct column references, such as calculated columns, measures, or expressions it violates the requirement for the IN operator, which expects only raw column references.

Solution: Check the filter logic in your visual or DAX query. You are not using calculated expressions or measures in the IN clause. The table used in the filter is a simple reference like SELECTCOLUMNS(Table, "ColumnName", Table[ColumnName]). Instead of using a custom filter with IN, try using the built-in Top N filter in the visual pane Or create a separate table with the top 10 IDs or Products and use that as a slicer or filter.

If this information is helpful, please “Accept it as a solution” and give a "kudos" to assist other community members in resolving similar issues more efficiently.
Thank you.

[Jaykumar31]

Hello @v-dineshya , I am not using any kind of filter or any DAX query. It is simply two columns from the table, displayed in a clustered column chart. I was surprised that this error did not appear in the earlier version of Power BI Desktop. I have the latest version installed: Version 2.144.679.0 (64-bit) – June 2025

There is no option on the Microsoft website to download an earlier version of Power BI Desktop.

[v-dineshya]

Hi @Jaykumar31 ,

As you mentioned that, "this error did not appear in the earlier version of Power BI Desktop".  Please refer the below Microsoft official document , you can download previous versions of Power BI desktop from below document.

Previous monthly updates to Power BI Desktop and the Power BI service - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

If this information is helpful, please “Accept it as a solution” and give a "kudos" to assist other community members in resolving similar issues more efficiently. 
Thank you.

[Jaykumar31]

Hi @v-dineshya - I downloaded a previous version, but after installation, it only shows the latest version. Basically, it is not allowing me to install the previous version; every time, it installs the new version instead.

[v-dineshya]

Hi @Jaykumar31 ,

I try to download March 2025 version from document link it's working. Please refer snap

Please uninstall your Power BI desktop and clear cach and download the previous version from document and try to install. As you mention that, for previous versions you are not facing error. try to download and install that version and check. And, if you have any further query do let us know.

Thank you.

[v-dineshya]

Hi @Jaykumar31 ,

We haven’t heard from you on the last response and was just checking back to see if you have a resolution yet.do click Accept Answer and Yes for was this answer helpful. And, if you have any further query do let us know.

Thank you.

[v-dineshya]

Hi @Jaykumar31 ,

We haven’t heard from you on the last response and was just checking back to see if you have a resolution yet.do click Accept Answer and Yes for was this answer helpful. And, if you have any further query do let us know.

Thank you.

[v-dineshya]

Hi @Jaykumar31 ,

We haven’t heard from you on the last response and was just checking back to see if you have a resolution yet.do click Accept Answer and Yes for was this answer helpful. And, if you have any further query do let us know.

Thank you.

[bhanu_gautam]

Are you getting this error in Power BI or SQL can you share screenshot

[Jaykumar31]

HI @bhanu_gautam  - Thanks for your response. I am encountering this error in Power BI and have attached an image in the post.