Forum Discussion
Community ChampionWhat exactly is a preview feature?
Super UserHi 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
Super UserAdding 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.
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