I have Personal Gateway installed and connected to the database I want to use. How do I activate the DirectQuery option within PBI Desktop when trying to Get Data? Is there a setting somewhere to allow this choice?

Yes. You are right. You can use either of this ( Direct Query or Import) in a single .pbix file.

DirectQuery option disabled to SQL Server database

v-sihou-msft
Microsoft Employee
9 years ago
SCTDev

You just need to select "Direct Query" when "get data" from SQL Server Database as BhaveshPatel mentioned. Since there're limitation for DAX calculations when using Direct Query, you may "allow unrestricted measure in Direct Query Mode".

For more details, please see: Use DirectQuery in Power BI Desktop.

Regards,
Anonymous
Not applicable
8 years ago
Each pbix file can only use one Data Connectivity mode. So if you had previously uploaded data via "Import", you will not be able to use "DirectQuery" within that same report. Solution is to open up a brand new report; as you will see, the DirectQuery option will be selectable.
BhaveshPatel
Super User
9 years ago
You do not need any gateway or anything else to connect with sql server in direct query mode.

When you choose to connect to the SQL Server Instance, It will ask you to choose either Import or Direct Query mode.

See below screenshot.
DirectQuery connection
- SCTDev
  Advocate I
  9 years ago
  My option is dimmed and therefore unselectable. Likely because I already used the Import feature for previous data and it won't let me select data using both methods. Of course, I am not certain of this.
  - BhaveshPatel
    Super User
    9 years ago
    Yes. You are right. You can use either of this ( Direct Query or Import) in a single .pbix file.