The Power BI July features bring several new capabilities and improvements for both experienced users and beginners. This release includes generally available (GA) updates, preview features, and usability enhancements that streamline reporting and modeling workflows.
Below is a summary of the Power BI July features you can start using today.
Generally Available Features
Expanded Microsoft 365 Data Sharing
Power BI’s integration with Microsoft 365 now includes additional metadata, such as chart titles, report details, and model refresh times. These enhancements make it easier to find and work with reports, helping teams make informed decisions more efficiently.
Power BI Report Server Becomes the Default
Microsoft has announced that no new versions of SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) will be released. Power BI Report Server is now the default on-premises reporting solution for all paid editions of SQL Server.
Field Parameters Preserve Expansion State
Field parameters are now generally available and include a key improvement: when switching fields or measures in a matrix, the matrix retains its expansion state. This eliminates the need to manually re-expand categories.
Model and DAX Query View Switcher
You can now switch seamlessly between the Model view and DAX Query view in the web modeling experience. This makes it easier to explore your data model and write queries in one place.
Preview Features
AI Data Schema Enhancements
The AI data schema preview has been updated with:
- A search box for finding fields quickly.
- Show/hide icons to indicate which fields are hidden in Report view.
These updates improve usability, particularly for large semantic models.
Visual Calculations with Sort Order Control
Visual calculations now include an ORDERBY parameter. This lets you define the sort order for calculations such as running sums, moving averages, and Pareto charts, making them easier to build and maintain.
Direct Lake Supports More Sources
Direct Lake semantic models in Power BI Desktop now support additional data sources, including Fabric SQL databases and mirrored databases. You can create and edit these models directly in Desktop for greater flexibility.
Organizational Themes
Administrators can now define organizational themes that apply across Power BI Desktop, the Power BI service, and Copilot. This ensures consistent branding and a uniform look for all reports across your organization.
Learn More and Share Feedback
You can find full details about these updates in the official Power BI Training resource.
