How to use 2 pbix files as source databases?

[Anonymous]

Hi All,

Please can you tell me how to create a pbix file that uses 2 other pbix files as data sources?

For the source pbix files: I have one pbix file that refreshes automatically nightly, and I have one pbix file that we refresh manually once per month (after the accounts have been finalised). Both are hosted on Service.

I have found this webpage https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-report-lifecycle-datasets but it only refers to linking a pbix file to one single file via a Live connection.

Thanks for your help!

CM

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Yes you could. You will have at the end a flow like this: Original Files > Dataflow > Dataset. Only constraint is that you should have a Premium Workspace, a Pro Licenser or Premium Per User to create a dataflow.

[v-angzheng-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi, @Anonymous 

Connecting PowerBI datasets with direct query allows you to connect multiple datasets.

in Power BI Desktop go to File > Options and settings > Options, and in the Preview features section, select the DirectQuery for Power BI datasets and Analysis Services checkbox to enable this preview feature.

Sample:

See the links below for more information

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-datasets-azure-analysis-services

Hope this helps.

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

[Anonymous]

Try creating a dataflow that uses as entities the datasets from Power BI Service, then in Desktop, import that dataflow using the Power BI Dataflow connector.

[Anonymous]

Thanks @Anonymous. Would I then be able to upload the pbix file to Service and have it run scheduled updates from other 2 pbix files on Service (via the dataflow of course)?

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Yes you could. You will have at the end a flow like this: Original Files > Dataflow > Dataset. Only constraint is that you should have a Premium Workspace, a Pro Licenser or Premium Per User to create a dataflow.