Adding back deleted tables connected via DirectQuery Power BI semantic model

[LostintheBIu]

Hi everyone,

I have a Power BI report, which is connected to a Power BI semantic model in DirectQuery mode. When I initally made the report, I deleted all the dimension tables that I did not need (just to clean up the report building view). Unfortunately now I realise that I need one of the dimension tables that I deleted. However I cannot find the option to edit which Power BI semantic model tables are being loaded. And I cannot just click Get Data and add the Power BI semantic model again just for this one Dimension table, because the table loads in DirectQuery mode, and therefore Power BI will not allow me to connect this table to the other data tables, even though all the tables are from the same Power BI semantic model, just loaded at different times.

Is there are hidden option where I can edit which tables being loaded in when connected via DirectQuery Power BI semantic model?

Thanks for any assistance.

[v-sdhruv · Accepted solution]

Hi @LostintheBIu ,

Yes, there is a way to re-add the table from your Direct-query source-

1. Go to Transform Data--> Data Source Setting

2. Select the Direct query source you need --> Select Change Source

After selecting that, a dialog box will open from which you can select the table you want to load.

Additionally, you can refer these solutions
https://community.fabric.microsoft.com/t5/Desktop/Adding-another-table-from-an-existing-semantic-mod...

https://community.fabric.microsoft.com/t5/Desktop/Direct-Query-add-tables-after-initial-setup/m-p/33...

Hope this helps!
If this answers your question, please Accept it as a solution and give it a 'Kudos' so others can find it easily.
Thank you.

[LostintheBIu]

Thanks that worked! When I re-connected to the same original datasource/semantic model, it gave me the option to add more tables.

[rajendraongole1]

Hi @LostintheBIu  - Once you connect to a semantic model in DirectQuery mode and delete a table, there's no obvious UI option to re-add just that table without breaking your model or relationships.

option1: you can re-add a deleted table from your semantic model

you can go to the Model view in Power BI Desktop>>On the left side (in the Fields pane), right-click on the dataset/semantic model name>>Choose "Add tables" (if available).

This will allow you to browse and select the tables you previously did not include, including the one you deleted.

This option only works if the semantic model was connected using DirectQuery and the Power BI Desktop still maintains the connection metadata. It won’t duplicate your connection—it just brings the missing table back in.

Option2: Reconnect Cleanly and Keep It All Together

[LostintheBIu]

I cannot see the options you are referring to in option1, as my fields pane is on the right-hand side of the screen, but thank you for taking the time to reply.