Is DirectQuery Real Time or Needs Refresh

DirectQuery has live data which is the most current data. However, in order for your visual to update with the current data you'll still need query the source, ie, choose REFRESH button. 

Take note that you will also be limited with transformations and dax

Hey,

using the connection mode "direct query" mode means:

• your data will not be copied into the Power BI data model
• whenever a user interacts with a visual (a slicer, a barchar ...) queries will be generated that are querying the data source, for this reason it is valid to say that the visuals will show the most recendt data. But the report will not update automatically, just due user interaction.
• Dashboard tiles will be refreshed automatically every 15min.

Regards,

Tom