Locking First Column from Sorting in Power BI Table

[shon_tytus]

As shown in the image, I have created a table in Power BI. The first column contains column names, and the second column has a header with a dynamic value that changes based on the selected filter.

If a user accidentally clicks the sort option on the first column (for example, on the "First_name” column in the image), the rows get sorted and the order changes.

Is there a way to lock the first column to prevent it from being sorted?

[v-echaithra]

Hi @shon_tytus ,

At present, Power BI does not provide a native option to disable or lock sorting for a specific column within a Table visual. This is a known limitation of the product, and there is no built in setting to control sorting at the individual column level.

If this functionality is important for your scenario, we recommend submitting a request to the Power BI Ideas forum Fabric Ideas - Microsoft Fabric Community. The product team actively reviews customer submissions there, and it helps prioritize enhancements based on demand.

Hope this helps.
Chaithra E.

[shon_tytus]

Hi @v-echaithra 

Thank you for getting back to me.

[v-echaithra]

Hi @shon_tytus ,

We’d like to follow up regarding the recent concern. Kindly confirm whether the issue has been resolved, or if further assistance is still required. We are available to support you and are committed to helping you reach a resolution.

Best Regards,
Chaithra E.

[shon_tytus]

This issue is not resolved, and I am still looking for a solution.

[v-echaithra]

Hi @shon_tytus ,

As suggested by danextian, Power BI currently does not provide a native way to lock sorting for a specific column in a Table visual. This is a known product limitation.

You can try this workaround by enforcing a Fixed Order Using an Index Column. If sorting needs to remain available in the visual but you want to preserve a predefined row order, you can enforce the order using an Index column:

In Power Query, add an Index column:
Add Column > Index Column > From 1
Close and apply the changes to load the data into the model.
In Model view, select the display column (for example, first_name).
Choose Sort by Column and select the newly created Index column.
Hide the Index column from Report view so it is not visible to end users.

With this configuration, even if users attempt to sort the column, Power BI will maintain the intended order defined by the Index column.

Hope this helps.
Chaithra E.

[danextian]

Hi @shon_tytus 

There is currently no built-in option for a table visual. You can overlay a transparent shape on the first column so the user clicks the shape instead of the column, but this only prevents the column header from being selected. If the user sorts the other columns, that first column will also be sorted relative to the currently sorted column.