Direct Query on Dataflow

[Teige_Gao]

Hi all,

When can we set up the direct query on Dataflow? It looks like that all data are imported into dataset when we use dataflow.

[Anonymous]

@v-xuding-msft 
Please advise:
I am unclear what the Direct Query option in Power BI Dataflows offers me. From what I understand it looks like this addresses the connection between the Power BI dataset and the dataflow. Does this also extend to the connection between the dataflow and the source database?

I have a use-case where I would like to direct query the source, is this scenario supported in Power BI Dataflows using Direct Query mode? (i.e. is (2) supported from the descriptions below?):

1. Direct Query from Power BI to Dataflow, but that the dataflow is still on a scheduled refresh, i.e. I have a ‘live’ connection to the dataflow, but this dataflow is only refreshed at a schedule;
2. Direct Query from Dataflow to Source, i.e. the dataflow queries the source at request and therefore my data is ‘live’ w.r.t. the source.

[v-xuding-msft]

Hi all,

You could reference the document: Use DirectQuery with dataflows in Power BI (preview) to have a try.

[Anonymous]

HI,

Dataflow can be accessed with Direct Query or Import, you now habe the choice. Which is important, considering the pros and cons of both modes.

 Didier

@dataflows 

[RakeshSinghr]

How do you get this option? Can you post some more snapshots pls. I have the latest may version but dont see this. All the prerequisits like premium capacity workspace dataflow, capacity setting enabled for enhanced compute engine are all set..

[Teige_Gao]

We are considering using the Azure SQL database and Azure data lake to replace the dataflow. I think it would be a good idea.

[Anonymous]

@Teige_Gao I can imagine. Unfortunately our Data Lake isn't easily transfered, mainly due to sheer size and applications that run on it. So I'm going to give it a bit more time and hope that this is just a bug that will be resolved soon.

[Anonymous]

Same here.

I even tried editing the 'Source' step in the Power Query Editor. When you press the gear-icon it lets you choose between Import and DirectQuery, but when you actually try to 'Close and Apply', you'll get the following message:

'This query contains transformations that can't be used for DirectQuery.'

The only transformations we do in the underlying dataflows is appending a few other dataflows. Can't find any information from MS about possible issues with the newly released feature, so curious what we're doing wrong.

[vissvess]

@Anonymous , what Is the version of power bi desktop you are using?

[vissvess]

Is the dataflow backed by premium capacity?

I read these posts.
https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/power-bi-dataflows-june-2019-feature-summary/

https://ssbipolar.com/2019/06/29/power-bi-dataflows-enhanced-compute-engine/

https://ssbipolar.com/2019/10/09/quick-tip-developing-with-large-dataflows/

[Anonymous]

Yes every artcile on Dataflow have been grossly misleading!

They never spoke about this limitation. We were made to beleive that Reports will be able to ingest Dataflows in DirecyQuery (Live connection) manner. Whats more worse is that all Datasets now have to depend on a Dataflow to be refreshed! Make no sense to have Dataflow in the first place. I would rather load my data from my DB

[v-xuding-msft]

Hi @Teige_Gao ,

Does that make sense? If so, kindly mark my answer as the solution to close the case please. More people will benefit from here.Thanks in advance.

Best Regards,

Xue Ding

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[v-xuding-msft]

Hi @Teige_Gao ,

The dataflows functionality is in preview, such a requirement is not supported by now. Someone has submitted this idea here, and it is under review which might be added in the future release.

Best Regards,

Xue Ding

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.