Table of Contents

Use Latest Compatibility Level for Power BI Models

  • 2026-01-09
  • Morten Lønskov

Overview

This rule identifies Power BI models not using the latest available compatibility level. Using the latest level ensures access to newest features, performance optimizations, and bug fixes.

  • Category: Governance
  • Severity: High (3)

Applies To

  • Model (Power BI semantic models only)

Why This Matters

  • Missing features: New DAX functions and model capabilities unavailable
  • Future compatibility: Easier upgrades when using recent levels

When This Rule Triggers

For Power BI models, triggers when compatibility level is below current maximum:

Model.Database.CompatibilityMode=="PowerBI" 
and Model.Database.CompatibilityLevel<>[CurrentMaxLevel]

How to Fix

Automatic Fix

The best practice rule includes an automatic fix that sets the Compatability Level to the highest avaliable that exist on the current installation of Tabular Editor 3. If you have an older version of Tabular Editor 3 installed you should update your installation.

Model.Database.CompatibilityLevel = [PowerBIMaxCompatibilityLevel]

Manual Fix

  1. In Tabular Editor, go to Model properties
  2. Set Compatibility Level to the latest version
  3. Test all DAX expressions and features
  4. Deploy to Power BI Service

Common Causes

Cause 1: Model Created in Power BI Desktop

Model created with in Power BI Desktop does not necesarily have the latest Compatability Level.

Cause 2: Model Created at Lower Level

Model created with older version of Power BI Desktop.

Cause 3: Conservative Approach

Team policy to delay upgrades.

Example

Before Fix

Model Compatibility Level: 1500
Current Maximum Level: 1700

After Fix

Model Compatibility Level: 1700 (Latest)

Access to new features like enhanced calculation groups and field parameters.

Compatibility Level

This rule applies to Power BI models at all compatibility levels.