Skip to main content
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

The Power BI Data Visualization World Championships is back! It's time to submit your entry. Live now!

Reply
cleahey
New Member

Composite model not working for me using SQL Server DirectQuery and Excel Import

I have a DirectQuery connection to a large SQLServer DB and when I try to import from Excel it forces all queries to import mode. with the following screen:

 

importmode.PNG

 

I thought I could import from Excel but leave the SQL Queries in DirectQuery Mode (which i need to as there are many, many millions of rows)?

 

I have read many articles auch as:

 

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/guidance/composite-model-guidance 

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/transform-model/desktop-composite-models?source=recommend... 

 

But canot get composite model to work? It always forces the DirectQueries to import.

 

I am using:

 

PowerBI Version.PNG

Any advice is appreciated!!!

 

Thanks

 

1 REPLY 1
lbendlin
Super User
Super User

1. where is the excel file located?

2. is it an .xlsb ?

3. why such an old version of Power BI Desktop?

Helpful resources

Announcements
Power BI DataViz World Championships

Power BI Dataviz World Championships

The Power BI Data Visualization World Championships is back! It's time to submit your entry.

January Power BI Update Carousel

Power BI Monthly Update - January 2026

Check out the January 2026 Power BI update to learn about new features.

FabCon Atlanta 2026 carousel

FabCon Atlanta 2026

Join us at FabCon Atlanta, March 16-20, for the ultimate Fabric, Power BI, AI and SQL community-led event. Save $200 with code FABCOMM.