Data Source Issue - Changing from Import to Direct Query

[GemmaInt]

I created a quite complex report and realised I accicentally started it by importing from, rather than direct query to, the SQL database. If I try to change the data source on the report it allows me, but there is no option to select whether to use import or direct query. I cannot add a data source to the report as it says you can't mix import and direct query, and I cannot create a new report and copy-and-paste the visualisations as we are only using Power BI destop, not the service.

I am hoping someone may know of a way to do this so I dont have to build the whole report from scratch 😞

Cheers

[Anonymous]

There is no official way to do this, but some have had luck with a hack of sorts, which you can find here:

https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Desktop/Solution-Changing-datasource-from-Import-to-Direct-Query-gt...

[GemmaInt]

Thanks for the reply nikhilmekala, but this solution seems to require publishing to the Power BI service - which we don't have. Judging by the comments on having issues with the proposed solution I suspect that re-building the report from scratch will be less work. At least you have confirmed that it is problem with no easy solution, so I can take some comfort that there is probably no easier way than to redo the whole thing from scratch! Lesson learnt - I won't do it again!!!

[v-piga-msft]

Hi @GemmaInt,

Currently, we could change direct query to import mode, but it seems that there is no direct option for us to change import mode to direct query mode in Power BI Desktop.

You could vote this similar idea in Power BI ideas Forum which has been submitted in Power BI ideas forum and add your comments there to improve Power BI and make this feature coming sooner.

In addition, I found a workaround for your case. You could have a reference of this blog Switching from imported data to DirectQuery or Live Connection in Power BI which may make sense of you.

Best Regards,

Cherry

[Anonymous]

Hi Cherry, could you kindly advise how to switch from Direct Query to Import mode?

Thanks a lot.

[GemmaInt]

Hi v-piga-msft,

I have voted for the Idea as you suggested. I also voted for the idea of adding the ability to copy and paste visualisations between reports as another way to get around the issue.

The link you gave was an interesting read and I will see if I can get anywhere with it. As far as this topic is concerned I think we need to assume that we have to wait for MS to provide the feature, and anything else that allows us to do it beforehand is a bonus!