DirectQuery or Import for reports

[Markzolotoy]

I am creating a dataset for paginated reports. If I use Import for my queries will I be getting the latest data in my paginated reports when I run them on the service?

Thanks

[v-yingjl]

Hi @Markzolotoy ,

When you use import mode for paginated reports, you can set schedule refresh for it or refresh the dataset manually to get the latest data from data source.

In addition, since June 2019 update, paginated report supports auto refresh that you can refer:

Power BI Paginated Reports June 2019 Feature Update Summary 

Best Regards,
Community Support Team _ Yingjie Li
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[Markzolotoy]

All I want is when  a user is running a report or an automated export is creating a PDF file users get it with the latest data. Is that how its working out of box?

[v-yingjl]

Hi @Markzolotoy ,

To get the latest data from data source when you run a report or export it as a PDF file, you need to confirm that the refresh progress has been completed.

Dataset without refresh would not be updated in power bi service under import mode.

Best Regards,
Community Support Team _ Yingjie Li
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[Markzolotoy]

@v-yingjl And by confirm you mean the user needs to refresh DS first? IS the same for PBI reports and paginated reports?

[v-yingjl · Accepted solution]

Hi @Markzolotoy ,

Reports need to refresh the dataset to get the latest data in power bi service; paginated reports just refresh the service page to get the latest data when your data source has been updated.

Please refer automatic refresh for paginated reports in the previous post.

You can also refer this viedo and document:

1. How to Refresh Power BI Paginated Report (13-6) TAIK18 
2. Data refresh in Power BI 

Best Regards,
Community Support Team _ Yingjie Li
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[amitchandak]

@Markzolotoy , Question is nor clear. But both should work with paginated report

refer only for how to choose

https://tessellationtech.io/import-vs-direct-query-power-bi/

https://www.cittabase.com/power-bi-tips-import-vs-direct-query/

[Markzolotoy]

The reason I am asking is that I am going to use SQL Express and have read somewhere that Impport is not allowed. Can you please confirm that Import can be used?