Power BI’s February 2025 Update: Latest Features Unveiled and How They Can Impact Your Business?
Microsoft Power BI got a whole bunch of exciting updates in February 2025. As is the case with all recent Microsoft updates, Copilot and AI related updates have been significant. The platform also got multiple feature updates which aims to make the platform even more usable and relevant for modern business analytics updates. Here, we will look at some of the major Power BI February 2025 Updates and see how they can impact your business and its operations.
Live Edit of Semantic Models in Direct Lake Mode with Power BI Desktop
What is the Update About:
The team at Microsoft has significantly enhanced the modeling performance for live editing of Direct Lake semantic models using Power BI Desktop.
Semantic models using Direct Lake mode access OneLake data directly. You can use this feature to process data which requires running the Power BI Analysis.
With this new feature, you can now perform a live edit of a semantic model in Direct Lake mode. This allows Power BI Desktop to make changes to the model by using the Power BI Analysis Services engine in the Fabric workspace.
What this Means for Your Business?
According to Microsoft, upgrading to the latest version will result in at least a 50% improvement in each modeling change. This means that when you are making edits to your data models on Power BI, you implement the changes faster and more effectively.
Current Status:
This currently is available in preview and is expected to be generally available in the later part of this year.
Conditional Formatting Support for Visual Calculations
What is the Update About:
You can now use visual calculations to set up conditional formatting rules for columns and measures on your visuals. Also, you can now apply condition formatting rules to visual calculations.
Once you open the conditional formatting dialog you will notice there is a new section that shows the data that’s on your visual. This section includes any column, measure and visual calculations on your visual and will include any hidden fields as well.
What This Means for Your Business?
This also makes it easy to work with Power BI.
First of all, you need to go through multiple steps to apply conditional formatting. Earlier, if you needed conditional formatting, you needed to create a separate measure or calculated columns. Now, with this new feature, you can use DAX expression right inside the visual. This saves time and keeps the model cleaner.
This will also allow you to create more dynamic visuals. You can color code bars, values and other visual elements based on the custom logic, making it easier to highlight trends.
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Copilot in the Power BI Mobile Apps on iPads and Android tablets
What is the Update About?
This is another one of the major Power BI 2025 Updates. Microsoft has made Copilot support available in the Power BI Mobile apps on iPads and Android tablets. This extends the functionality of AI to more mobile devices.
Copilot in the Power BI Mobile apps empowered users to quickly analyze data, gain insights, and make informed decisions on the go. Now, the same powerful capabilities have come to iPads and Android tablets, making it easier to explore your data anytime, anywhere.
Getting started with Copilot on your mobile app is easy. To Access the feature, you just need to tap the Copilot button located in the report header (for reports that meet Copilot requirements in Power BI).
From there, you can choose whether to receive a summary or uncover insights. Copilot will deliver a response based on your request, which you can then copy, share, or continue interacting with. Suggestions at the bottom of the screen help you refine your request or create new ones, making it simple to explore your data further.
How Does This Improve Your Workflow?
With Copilot in Power BI apps, AI insights have become more accessible. You can summarize reports, analyze data and execute a range of different tasks anytime, anywhere.
General Power BI February 2025 Updates
Upgrade Power BI Desktop to 64-bit version
The 32-bit version of Power BI Desktop will no longer be supported after June 30, 2025. You will need to upgrade to the 64-bit version Power BI Desktop to keep receiving updates and support.
Upgrade Power BI Desktop to February 2025 version
To continue using Report view Copilot chat pane, you will need to upgrade to February 2025 version. Report view copilot chat pane might not work as expected for versions before February 2025, especially after June 30, 2025.
Why Should You Get Support from a Power BI Consultant?
Power BI February 2025 Updates are quite significant and might be overwhelming for end users and teams. This is where you need to get the support from a certified Power BI consultant. Here are some of the benefits of getting professional Power BI consulting services:
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Translating Features into Value
At Evolvous, we will help you understand the new features and updates in depth and map them to use cases that are relevant for your business.
Not every update is going to be useful for your organization. We help you to focus on features that can really drive value and avoid getting overwhelmed.
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Optimizing Reports and Processes
We will review the existing dashboards and processes based on Power BI, and help you leverage the new features for performance and user experience.
Our team of experts will optimize your existing reports and processes, to reduce complexity and save time and enhance storytelling.
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Upskilling Your Team
Evolvous will also offer extensive Power BI training that will ensure that your team can easily adapt to the new changes and use them to their fullest potential.
Explore Our Power BI Consulting Services
As Power BI continues to evolve, you need to adapt to it to stay ahead. Explore our Power BI Consulting solutions and transform your data analytics and business intelligence for the future.
