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

July 7 - July 17 | Round 2 of the Power BI Dataviz World Championships. Don't miss your chance! Learn more

Reply
Anonymous
Not applicable

Direct Query with multiple datasources

I'm working with (almost) real time data. I have multiple datasources (SQL servers) and multiple tables. All queries use "Import" mode (instead of Direct Query). I'm not using Append Queries function. Each query gets data from all servers at the same time.

I would like to understand which one is the best approach: Import or Direct Query. Should I use Direct Query with multiple datasources? Will the datasets refresh faster if I use Direct Query? Will automatic refresh still work?

Below is an example:

New Source -> SQL Server -> Set "ServerA" and "Database" -> Select "Direct Query" -> Ok -> Go to "Advanced Editor" -> Add "SourceB part of the query" -> Done.

Final query:

 

let
    SourceA = Sql.Database("ServerA", "Database", [Query="SELECT * FROM ...]),
    #"ColSourceA" = Table.AddColumn(SourceA, "Server", each "ServerA"),

    SourceB = Sql.Database("ServerB", "Database", [Query="SELECT * FROM ...]),
    #"ColSourceB" = Table.AddColumn(SourceB, "Server", each "ServerB"),

    #"CombinedTables" = Table.Combine({
    #"ColSourceA", 
    #"ColSourceB"
    })

in
    #"CombinedTables"

 

Thank you!!

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
amitchandak
Super User
Super User

@Anonymous , If you want to do a transformation like append/merge. Import mode is best.

Share with Power BI Enthusiasts: Full Power BI Video (20 Hours) YouTube
Microsoft Fabric Series 60+ Videos YouTube
Microsoft Fabric Hindi End to End YouTube

View solution in original post

1 REPLY 1
amitchandak
Super User
Super User

@Anonymous , If you want to do a transformation like append/merge. Import mode is best.

Share with Power BI Enthusiasts: Full Power BI Video (20 Hours) YouTube
Microsoft Fabric Series 60+ Videos YouTube
Microsoft Fabric Hindi End to End YouTube

Helpful resources

Announcements
FabCon and SQLCon Barcelona 2026

FabCon & SQLCon – Barcelona 2026

Join us in Barcelona for FabCon and SQLCon, the Fabric, Power BI, SQL, and AI community event. Save €200 with code FABCMTY200.

Fabric Community Sticker Design Challenge Barcelona Carousel

Fabric Community Sticker Challenge - Barcelona 2026

If you love stickers, then you will definitely want to check out our community sticker challenge, Barcelona edition!

July Power BI Update Carousel

Power BI Monthly Update - July 2026

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

Power BI DataViz World Championships carousel

Power BI DataViz World Championships - June 2026

A new Power BI DataViz World Championship is coming this June! Don't miss out on submitting your entry.

Top Solution Authors