Power BI Desktop includes extra tables when refreshing from a linked Power BI semantic model

[RF_CW]

When I add new tables to a semantic model in PBI Workspace, Power BI Desktop then includes the new tables when I refresh a report.

So for example, I add Table XX to a PBI Semantic Model A created from a Power BI Report. 

When I refresh/update PBI Report B that is linked to PBI Semantic Model A, the Table XX gets automatically added to the report even though I don't want it to be added. 

How do I stop that?

[danextian · Accepted solution]

Hi @RF_CW 

Uncheck this:

I wish this was unchecked by default.

[RF_CW]

Thank you! didn't know this existed

[RF_CW]

I forgot to add that the Power BI report B does have a local model and this occurs as well even when we make the selections clear.

[v-sgandrathi]

Hi @RF_CW,

Thank you for your follow-up and for confirming that Report B is using a local model with selected tables.

From your reply, if new tables from the source semantic model are still appearing in your report without being added manually, this isn’t the expected behavior for a report connected to a local model. Normally, Power BI Desktop should not include new tables from the source model during refresh when only certain tables are selected.

To address this, please check the following:

Ensure that table additions aren’t caused by a metadata or schema sync when the source model (Model A) is updated or republished, as this can sometimes push schema changes.
Manually remove the unwanted tables in Report B’s model view, then go to File > Options and Settings > Data Source Settings, clear credentials, and reconnect using "Add a local model" with only the needed tables selected.
Turn off auto-date/time by going to:
File > Options > Data Load > Time Intelligence
Uncheck Auto Date/Time for new files to prevent automatic model changes.
If your organization uses deployment pipelines, XMLA endpoints, or scripted deployments, make sure no schema merge or sync operations are happening unintentionally during updates.

Thank you.

[RF_CW]

Thank you that's helpful. 

My other question is - say I were to add a local model and follow the steps above; In the event that a table (LL) from Model A and i'm using in Report B is updated, then will the table LL in Report B be updated as well? 

[v-sgandrathi]

Hi @RF_CW,

Thank you for your follow-up.

If you have connected Report B to Model A using a local model with DirectQuery, updates to an existing table such as Table LL in Model A will automatically be reflected in Report B. This includes data changes (new or modified rows) and column updates -- additions, deletions, or renames, so long as these do not disrupt current visuals or measures.

Because Table LL is queried directly from the source semantic model, Power BI ensures that the latest data and schema from Model A are displayed in Report B each time the report is refreshed.

However, that only the tables selected during the initial local model connection are included. New tables added to the source model afterward will not appear automatically in Report B, allowing you to keep your report schema organized and controlled.

Thank you for engaging with the Microsoft Fabric Community.

[v-sgandrathi]

Hi @RF_CW,

I wanted to check in your situation regarding the issue. Have you resolved it? Should you have any further questions, feel free to reach out.
Thank you for being a part of the Microsoft Fabric Community Forum!

[v-sgandrathi]

Hi @RF_CW,

Just wanted to follow up and confirm that everything has been going well on this. Please let me know if there’s anything from our end.
Please feel free to reach out Microsoft fabric community forum.

[RF_CW]

Thanks for following up. I have not had an issue so far because I haven't had a change to the model yet. Will post again when I do. 

[v-sgandrathi]

Hi @RF_CW,

Thank you for the update, it's great to know that everything is going well.

We completely understand, and that sounds like a good plan. Please do feel free to post back whenever you experience any changes or encounter issues with the model refresh behavior. We’ll be here to assist you further if needed.

Thakn you.

[Sandip_Palit]

You'll need to create your report's connection in a specific way that enables a local model.

1. Start with a new Power BI Desktop file. Go to Get data and select Power BI semantic models.
2. Find and select the source semantic model you want to connect to (e.g., Semantic Model A).
3. In the connection dialog box, you'll see a Connect button at the bottom right. Do not click it yet. Instead, look for the text link below it that says Make changes to this model. Click this link.
4. A new window will appear, warning you that a local model will be created. Click Add a local model.
5. You will now see a navigator window showing all the tables and views in the source semantic model. Check the boxes only for the tables you want to include in your report. Uncheck any tables you want to exclude.
6. Click Submit.

Your new Power BI report will now have a DirectQuery connection to only the tables you selected. When new tables are added to the source semantic model later, they will not automatically appear in your report.

The easiest way to apply this fix to your current report is to:

1. Create a new PBIX file using the "Add a local model" method described above.
2. Open your old report in a separate Power BI Desktop window.
3. Copy and paste the visuals from your old report file to the new one. This is usually much faster than rebuilding them from scratch.

If this explanation and solution resolve your issue, please like and accept the solution.

[danextian]

You're telling OP how to connect to a semantic model via direct query which he has already done.

This statement  is also factually incorrect

Your new Power BI report will now have a DirectQuery connection to only the tables you selected. When new tables are added to the source semantic model later, they will not automatically appear in your report.

Doing the how to connect to the semantic model steps you provided will not prevent tables added later from being added to the local model. 

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