What exactly is a preview feature?

[frithjof_v]

Hi, 

In Power BI desktop, there are approx. 30 preview features and approx. 20 of them are enabled by default. 

Meaning, if I don't do any changes to the Power BI desktop settings myself, these features are enabled and will likely get used and follow my reports into production environment.

Some of (most of?) the preview features are not labelled as preview features in the Power BI desktop user interface, they appear like any other features (e.g. the new card visual and the new button slicer).

Does Microsoft recommend me to use these preview features in production?

Or should I avoid using preview features in production.

Is there some documentation regarding what it means that a feature is in preview?

Are preview features safe to use? (Regarding data security).

Do preview features calculate / display metrics and KPI's correctly?

I will highly appreciate clarification on this, so I can understand when it is advisable to use preview features.

Thank you! 

[MohamedFowzan1]

Hi @frithjof_v 

• Preview features are for testing: Microsoft introduces them for early user feedback and evaluation, not for stable, production use.

• Production use is risky: Preview features can be unstable, change unexpectedly, or be removed; they may not be fully supported by Microsoft.

• Security and compliance may differ: Data processed by preview features may not have the same security/compliance guarantees as standard Power BI features.

• Metrics and visuals may not be reliable: Bugs or calculation/display issues could occur, so don’t rely on preview features for business-critical KPIs or reporting.

• Always check documentation: Microsoft recommends reading official documents before enabling preview features. Disable them in production unless you’ve fully assessed the risks

[MohamedFowzan1]

Adding on:

• Even if a preview feature is enabled by default in Power BI Desktop, Microsoft does NOT recommend using preview features in production. According to official documentation, "Preview features...aren't meant for production use" and "aren't supported by Microsoft Support for production use"—they are released mainly for testing and feedback, not general usage.

• It is indeed confusing that some features are enabled by default and lack clear labeling as preview in the UI. Microsoft’s documentation states that preview features “might have limited or restricted functionality” and “aren’t supported by Microsoft Support for production use,” even though some appear seamlessly integrated into the product.

• Recommendation: Do not assume an enabled-by-default preview feature is production-ready or supported unless it is officially announced as Generally Available (GA). Always check documentation and test carefully before using any preview feature in a production report.

Reference:

https://www.reddit.com/r/MicrosoftFabric/comments/1lh811i/managing_power_bi_preview_features_efficie...

[djurecicK2]

Hi @frithjof_v ,

 I know this is a year late, but I recently came across this post. It is not easy to find a definition, but here is one from Microsoft Learn for Fabric which I think answers your question.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/fundamentals/preview

Preview experiences and features are released with limited capabilities, but are made available on a preview basis so customers can get early access and provide feedback.

Preview experiences and features:

• Are subject to separate supplemental preview terms.

• Aren't meant for production use.

• Are not subject to SLAs and support is provided as best effort in certain cases. However, Microsoft Support is eager to get your feedback on the preview functionality, and might provide best effort support in certain cases.

• May have limited or restricted functionality.

• May be available only in selected geographic areas.

I agree with you that "Aren't meant for production use" and "on by default" don't seem like a good match.

[frithjof_v]

Thank you @Idrissshatila,

However it's not actually answering my questions in my post.

When a preview feature is enabled by default by Microsoft, does it mean it is recommended by Microsoft to use this feature in production or not?

If not, then I think it is strange that these features are enabled by default (not opt-in) and also there is no labelling in the user interface which tells me whether a feature is a preview feature or not.

Best regards, Frithjof 

[Idrissshatila]

@frithjof_v ,

yes they are safe to use and they display data correctly, it's just that is a new feature.

[frithjof_v]

Thank you @Idrissshatila,

Is this confirmed by Microsoft in any documentation, or how do you know?

[Idrissshatila]

@frithjof_v ,

you can wait for microsoft support to validate my info, i didn't find a documentation for this.

[Idrissshatila]

Hello @frithjof_v ,

A preview feature in Power BI is a newly introduced feature that is still in the testing phase. These features are made available to users so they can try them out before they are fully integrated and officially released as part of the main product. Preview features allow users to experiment with new functionalities and provide feedback to the development team, which helps in refining and improving the features based on real-world usage and user input.

Key Points about Preview Features in Power BI:

1. Early Access: Users get early access to new capabilities and enhancements.
2. Feedback Loop: Microsoft collects user feedback to make improvements before the general release.
3. Optional: Users can opt-in to use preview features. These features can be enabled or disabled in the Power BI settings.
4. Experimental: Because they are still in development, preview features might not be fully stable or might have limited functionality.
5. Documentation and Updates: Microsoft typically provides documentation and updates on these features, highlighting known issues and usage scenarios.