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Microsoft Fabric
Written By Nathan Giullian

Why Microsoft Fabric’s Sunsetting of Default Semantic Models Is a Win for Data Teams

Microsoft recently announced the sunsetting of Default Semantic Models in Fabric—a move long overdue for many data teams*. This update acknowledges that the automatic models cluttered workspaces and added little real value.

🎯 Why It Matters

  • Workspaces were overcrowded: Default semantic models auto-generated every time you spun up a Lakehouse or Warehouse—often unused and confusing**.

  • Limited modeling capability: Users couldn’t fully customize relationships, date tables, or calculations—nudging most toward creating custom models anyway**.

✅ The User Win

This shift shows Microsoft is truly listening. Teams can now:

  • Build clean, lean semantic models tailored to business logic.

  • Avoid unnecessary workspace clutter and simplify ALM.

  • Focus on high-value work rather than default boilerplate.

💬 My Perspective

I'm glad Microsoft took user voices into account. I've struggled with default models dragging down workspace quality and confusing users. This move is a big step—and I’ll update this post when Phase 2 launches to guide users through managing “coupled” semantic models when they’re reintroduced.

🚀 What to Do Next

  1. Audit your existing workspaces. Retire or archive default models.

  2. Educate your team on creating new semantic models using Direct Lake or Import.

  3. Monitor the next phase for details on how coupled models will work and update workflows accordingly.

Conclusion: Goodbye clutter. Hello clarity.

I'll revisit and expand this guide when Phase 2 is live—stay tuned.

Would love to hear how others are planning their migration strategies—share below!

Sources

*https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/enterprise/powerbi/service-premium-large-models?utm_source=chatgpt.com

*https://blog.fabric.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/sunsetting-default-semantic-models-microsoft-fabric?ft=All&utm_source=chatgpt.com

**https://www.reddit.com/r/MicrosoftFabric/comments/1elbpie/default_semantic_model_why_is_it_a_thing/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

**https://www.reddit.com/r/MicrosoftFabric/comments/1elbpie/default_semantic_model_why_is_it_a_thing/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

**https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/data-warehouse/default-power-bi-semantic-model?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Nathan Giullian
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