Forum Discussion
Helper VMemory error when refreshing the tables in Power BI
Hi all!
I've a semantic model in Power BI with 53 tables, some of which contain a large amount of data. I need to update them from the test environment to point to the production data sources, but I’m getting an error and the tables are being deleted.
How can I update all 53 tables without losing them?
Thanks
Hi Fern_21
It seems like you've hit the memory limit of Power BI Desktop when trying to refresh or save your semantic model with 53 tables. This often happens when working with large datasets in Import mode, especially if all tables are refreshed simultaneously.
Here are a few strategies to avoid losing your tables and handle the update process more efficiently:
-
Refresh tables one at a time
Open Power Query and refresh each table individually. This reduces the memory load at any given moment. -
Switch to DirectQuery
If latency and performance allow, consider changing some large fact tables to DirectQuery mode. This offloads processing to the source system.
Learn more: Import vs DirectQuery -
Publish the model to Power BI Service
Upload the model to the Power BI Service, perform dataset refreshes from the service (which has higher memory limits), and connect to the dataset from Power BI Desktop for report building.
How to: Connect a report to a published dataset -
Split your model
If possible, break the model into smaller ones based on domain (e.g., sales, finance) and use composite models to bring them together.
Guide: Using composite models -
Increase memory (Premium only)
If you're using Power BI Premium or Fabric, consider assigning more memory to the dataset capacity.
Reference: Dataset size limits
If this post helps, then please consider Accepting it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.
-
Hi Fern_21 ,
Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft fabric community forum.
Ritaf1983 , ToddChitt , ToddChitt , BhavinVyas3003
Thanks for your prompt response.
Fern_21 In addition, I have included a few threads related to refresh failures that have already been resolved. These may help as well
Troubleshoot refresh scenarios - Power BI | Microsoft Learn
Solved: Not enough memory refresh error - Microsoft Fabric Community
Solved: Memory error: Memory Allocation failure on Power b... - Microsoft Fabric Community
Solved: "Power BI: 'Not enough memory to complete this ope... - Microsoft Fabric Community
Solved: Memory error when refreshing - Microsoft Fabric Community
Solved: Memory Error while refreshing the dataset in Power... - Microsoft Fabric Community
If this post helped resolve your issue, please consider giving it Kudos and marking it as the Accepted Solution. This not only acknowledges the support provided but also helps other community members find relevant solutions more easily.
We appreciate your engagement and thank you for being an active part of the community.
Best regards,
LakshmiNarayana
7 Replies
- ToddChitt
Super User
Try refreshing them one at a time. On the right, under the Data area, right click on a table and select "Refresh data".
- Ritaf1983
Hi Fern_21
It seems like you've hit the memory limit of Power BI Desktop when trying to refresh or save your semantic model with 53 tables. This often happens when working with large datasets in Import mode, especially if all tables are refreshed simultaneously.
Here are a few strategies to avoid losing your tables and handle the update process more efficiently:
-
Refresh tables one at a time
Open Power Query and refresh each table individually. This reduces the memory load at any given moment. -
Switch to DirectQuery
If latency and performance allow, consider changing some large fact tables to DirectQuery mode. This offloads processing to the source system.
Learn more: Import vs DirectQuery -
Publish the model to Power BI Service
Upload the model to the Power BI Service, perform dataset refreshes from the service (which has higher memory limits), and connect to the dataset from Power BI Desktop for report building.
How to: Connect a report to a published dataset -
Split your model
If possible, break the model into smaller ones based on domain (e.g., sales, finance) and use composite models to bring them together.
Guide: Using composite models -
Increase memory (Premium only)
If you're using Power BI Premium or Fabric, consider assigning more memory to the dataset capacity.
Reference: Dataset size limits
If this post helps, then please consider Accepting it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.
-
- BhavinVyas3003
Please see if this thread is useful to you,
https://community.fabric.microsoft.com/t5/Desktop/Data-refresh-memory-error/m-p/2836653
v-lgarikapatCommunity Support
Hi Fern_21 ,
Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft fabric community forum.
Ritaf1983 , ToddChitt , ToddChitt , BhavinVyas3003
Thanks for your prompt response.
Fern_21 In addition, I have included a few threads related to refresh failures that have already been resolved. These may help as well
Troubleshoot refresh scenarios - Power BI | Microsoft Learn
Solved: Not enough memory refresh error - Microsoft Fabric Community
Solved: Memory error: Memory Allocation failure on Power b... - Microsoft Fabric Community
Solved: "Power BI: 'Not enough memory to complete this ope... - Microsoft Fabric Community
Solved: Memory error when refreshing - Microsoft Fabric Community
Solved: Memory Error while refreshing the dataset in Power... - Microsoft Fabric Community
If this post helped resolve your issue, please consider giving it Kudos and marking it as the Accepted Solution. This not only acknowledges the support provided but also helps other community members find relevant solutions more easily.
We appreciate your engagement and thank you for being an active part of the community.
Best regards,
LakshmiNarayana- v-lgarikapat
Hi Fern_21 ,
If your issue has been resolved, please consider marking the most helpful reply as the accepted solution. This helps other community members who may encounter the same issue to find answers more efficiently.
If you're still facing challenges, feel free to let us know we’ll be glad to assist you further.
Looking forward to your response.
Best regards,
LakshmiNarayana.- v-lgarikapat
Hi Fern_21 ,
If your issue has been resolved, please consider marking the most helpful reply as the accepted solution. This helps other community members who may encounter the same issue to find answers more efficiently.
If you're still facing challenges, feel free to let us know we’ll be glad to assist you further.
Looking forward to your response.
Best regards,
LakshmiNarayana
