SQL Server 2025 and Visual Calculation

[100tsky71]

1. We have installed SQL Server 2025 and deployed an SSAS Tabular instance (version 17.0.25.218).

2. We created a tabular model and set its Compatibility Level to 1700, which is the highest available option for a new model

3. According to this link, https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/analysis-services/what-s-new-in-sql-server-analysis-services?view=..., Microsoft announced that Visual Calculations are available in SSAS Tabular.

4. However, when we try to create a Live Connection from Power BI Desktop to this SSAS Tabular model, the Visual Calculations feature remains unavailable. It seems that having Compatibility Level 1700 on the new SQL Server 2025 does not unlock this functionality.

5. What are we doing wrong? Is the announced support for Visual Calculations in SSAS 2025 dependent on a future Compatibility Level (e.g., 1800) that is not yet available in the current tools? We are stuck because 1700 is the maximum level we can select.

[kushanNa]

Hi @100tsky71 

As of today, Visual Calculations is still a preview feature, so they may still be testing Live connections to SQL Server Analysis Services.

[dinesh_7780 · Accepted solution]

Hi @100tsky71 ,

Try below options.

1.  Use a composite model, Connect to SSAS with DirectQuery for AS / Semantic Models, NOT Live Connection.

Steps:

Power BI Desktop → Get Data → Analysis Services

Uncheck Live Connection

Choose “DirectQuery for Power BI Datasets and Analysis Services”

This creates a local model layer, and New visual calculation becomes active.

This is the only architecture that currently works.

2. Import underlying data instead of using SSAS

If possible, build the model in Power BI (not SSAS).

Visual calculations work immediately.

3. Wait for Microsoft to update Desktop

SQL Server 2025 only recently shipped.

Visual Calculations for SSAS Live is real, but Desktop support is lagging.

Expect this to light up in a future Desktop release.

Note: Power BI Desktop November 2025 does not yet support Visual Calculations over Live Connection to SSAS 2025, even though the engine supports them. Live connection will not work until Microsoft updates Desktop.

If my response as resolved your issue please mark it as solution and give kudos.

[100tsky71]

we use Power BI Desktop november 2025 (Version: 2.149.1203.0 64-bit ) and select a visual first but the button [New visual calculation] is not active

[Sandip_Palit]

The issue is almost certainly on the Power BI Desktop client side, not your server. Even though your server engine (SSAS 2025) now supports the necessary DAX functions (like WINDOW, INDEX, OFFSET, etc.) required for Visual Calculations, Power BI Desktop requires specific configuration to enable this feature for Live Connections.

Please check the following three steps to unlock the feature:

1. Enable the Preview Feature

While Visual Calculations are Generally Available (GA) for Import models, they are often still flagged under "Preview" or require the switch to be enabled for Live Connections depending on your specific version of Power BI Desktop.

• In Power BI Desktop, go to File > Options and settings > Options.
• Select Preview features in the left pane.
• Ensure Visual calculations is checked.
• Restart Power BI Desktop.

2. Select a Visual First

The "New visual calculation" button in the Home ribbon behaves differently than the "New Measure" button. It is context-sensitive.

The behavior: The "New visual calculation" button will appear greyed out (disabled) until you actually click on and select a specific visual (like a bar chart or matrix) on your canvas.

The fix: Click a visual on your report page, then look at the ribbon. The button should become active.

3. Update Power BI Desktop

SQL Server 2025 is brand new. To communicate correctly with the Compatibility Level 1700 engine via Live Connection, you must be using a very recent version of Power BI Desktop.

Ensure you are on the November 2024 release or later. Older versions of Desktop may not recognize that an on-prem SSAS instance is capable of handling these calculations, as this capability was previously limited to the Power BI Service.

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