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

[acodato]

I don't think this is a Power BI desktop feature to enable. It has to be enabled somewhere else, because I can create calculated columns in Tabular Editor 3 pointing to a Fabric Semantic Model but when saving it error out saying remove column. So it must be enabled at the model level.

[reggenberger]

I downloaded the latest PowerBI Desktop release, but the option to enable the preview feature still isn't there! Anyone experiencing the same?

[v-achippa]

Hi @reggenberger,

This feature is still in a phased service side rollout. Even with the latest desktop installed, the preview option won't be appear until the rollout reaches your tenant. I request you to please wait for the rollout to reach your environment

Thanks and regards,

Anjan Kumar Chippa

[Harrisontpowell]

We have updated our PBI, enabled preview feature and tried to create column in desktop, BUT are still getting an error saying we are unable to create columns in directlanke model.

Thoughts? 

[v-achippa]

Hi @Harrisontpowell,

Even after enabling the preview feature, this is still not fully available for all Direct Lake models or tables yet, that is why you are seeing this error. The rollout is currently phased and limited.

Please make sure:

• You are on the latest Power BI Desktop (April 2026 or later)
• The preview feature is enabled

If both are already in place and the issue still occurs, then it is likely due to the current preview limitations, as full support is still being rolled out.

Thanks and regards,

Anjan Kumar Chippa

[101Mathew]

Hi @v-achippa ,

I'm on the May-26 version now - I cannot see the preview feature for calculated columns/tables on Direct Lake model tables.

Should this be raise with MS support?

Regards,

Mathew

[v-achippa]

Hi @101Mathew,

Thank you for the update. This feature is still being deployed in phases, so it may not be available to all tenants or regions yet, it's likely still gradually rolling out. Please follow the below step:

• Go to File --> Options and settings --> Options --> Preview features and look for an option related to Direct Lake calculated columns. If you do not see it listed there, then it means the feature has not rolled out to your environment yet.

Then please raise a microsoft support ticket so that the team can confirm whether your tenant has received the rollout and investigate any tenant specific issues.

Create a Fabric and Power BI Support Ticket - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Thanks and regards,

Anjan Kumar Chippa

[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.