Direct Query Connection with SharePoint Online

[Anonymous]

Hi there,

Is there a work-around in creating a direct query connection in Power BI when using SharePoint List Online?

Thank you

[v-diye-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous 

You will find the acceptable Direct Query data sources here

The idea for this has not been commented on by the PBI team, but you can add votes to it here

Here's a blog post that describes the use of a 3rd party tool (AxioWorks SQList) to synch the SharePoint lists with normalised SQL Azure tables which then gives you the option of direct query. 

Since SQList updates SQL Azure as soon as SharePoint changes are made it is a very nice workaround for Direct Query

Power BI direct query workaround for SharePoint

[Anonymous]

Thank you @v-diye-msft very helpful. Will give it a go

[amitchandak]

@Anonymous , I did not remember anything like that. But refer if this feature can help

https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/power-bi-desktop-june-2020-feature-summary/#_APR

[Anonymous]

Thank you @amitchandak for this, do you think this will update the dashboard in Power BI Service?

[TomMartens]

Hey @Anonymous , hey @amitchandak ,

automatic page refresh will only work with datasets in directquery mode:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/create-reports/desktop-automatic-page-refresh#:~:text=Tabl...

As Sharepoint lists can not be accessed using directquery, Automatic page refresh will not be available.

Regards,

Tom

[Anonymous]

Thanks a lot mate, that clears it up.

[TomMartens]

Hey,

there is no workaround for accessing a SharePoint list using the directquery mode.

Maybe you will give this a try:

https://www.cdata.com/drivers/sharepoint/powerbi/

Please be aware that additional costs will arise.

Regards,

Tom

[Anonymous]

Thanks @TomMartens , am not sure my organisation will want to pay for this. But atleast there is something out there incase they change their mind.

Regards