Powerbi desktop Direct Query connection to dataset is not "live"

[dwedding3]

Hello!

I'm having a strange issue with Powerbi. I believe I have made a direct connection to an excel sheet on our company sharepoint. However, when we add a new row to the dataset, it does not reflect on the Powerbi, even days later.

How can I make the connection update, either frequently (it doesn't have to be much faster than daily) or live if possible?

EDIT: I tried scheduling a refresh, but the settings to do so are grayed out for some reason.

Thanks

[christinepayton]

You need to refresh or schedule refresh to get any data updates. Direct connection has a very specific meaning in relation to Power BI, in that the data is queries in real time - but Excel files are not a source that supports direct query. It's something used with some specific database connections like SQL.

In summary, you are using import mode so you have to refresh the source to get updates either via schedule or clicking the button. The dataset needs to be published to schedule a refresh on it.

[dwedding3]

Hello!

Ive been trying to schedule a refresh, but the options are grayed out. I can't put in anything.

Any advice?

[christinepayton · Accepted solution]

Are your Excel files local or in SharePoint? If they are local, you need to install a gateway to schedule refresh. If they are in SharePoint Online, you don't need a gateway. I did a video here on how to move your files to SharePoint and update the query - it'd be better to go this route imo if you're working locally right now:

https://youtu.be/2HZ8l23RXnc

[ray_aramburo]

In Power BI Desktop you'd need to refresh manually the data (click on refresh button)