Direct Lake Model - Calculated Column/Tables

[101Mathew]

Hi all,

The latest April ’26 update highlighted a major item for anyone working with Direct Lake models — the ability to create calculated columns and calculated tables that reference Direct Lake fields/tables.

We’ve tested this on our side and noticed that the feature appears to be in a phased rollout. However, there was no mention of this in the associated YouTube update.

Does anyone have insight into the expected timeline for full rollout, or confirmation on whether this is still gradually deploying?

Thanks.

Mathew Westwood

[v-achippa]

Hi @101Mathew,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Fabric Community.

Thank you @Lodha_Jaydeep for the prompt response.

As we haven’t heard back from you, we wanted to kindly follow up to check if the solution provided by the user for the issue worked? or let us know if you need any further assistance.

Thanks and regards,

Anjan Kumar Chippa

[101Mathew]

Hi @v-achippa ,

This appears to be a bit of an issue with comms/Direct Lake models - it's unclear if this type of edit is doable via live edit in the service or within the desktop app only

I'm waiting for IT to obtain a better update policy, a member of the senior team was able to confirm the option is present within Desktop app only (no sign of setting in the service/tennat)

Regards,

Mathew

[v-achippa · Accepted solution]

Hi @101Mathew,

Yes, currently this feature is only available in power bi desktop(preview) and is not supported for editing in the service yet.

So any calculated columns/tables for Direct Lake need to be created in desktop and then published, there is no live edit option in the service now. Since it is still rolling out in preview, this behaviour can be expected.

Please refer below documentation:

https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/power-bi-april-2026-feature-summary/

Thanks and regards,

Anjan Kumar Chippa

[v-achippa]

Hi @101Mathew,

We wanted to kindly follow up to check if the solution I have provided for the issue worked? or let us know if you need any further assistance.

Thanks and regards,

Anjan Kumar Chippa

[Lodha_Jaydeep]

Hi @101Mathew,
Thanks for reaching, will happy to assist.

It appears this feature is still in Public Preview. While it may not have been highlighted in the April '26 Feature Summary video, the official documentation confirms its availability. I’ve linked the relevant section for your reference so you can review the specific requirements.

https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/power-bi-april-2026-feature-summary/ 

[Lodha_Jaydeep]

Hope this helps,
Please give some kudos and mark as accepted solution if it helps.