Table Properties Cant change Storage Mode

[DebbieE]

Im trying to test changing the Storage model of a table in Power BI. In model view I go to the table, In Properties Advanced I have Storage Mode. I can see Im on Import. When I try to change it to Direct Query it wont change.

Is it not possible to change from Import to Direct query?

My worry is, I have a great number of measures and calculated columns on this table so I wouldnt want to have to start again

[v-diye-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @DebbieE 

When Power BI Desktop detects an incompatible configuration, it may disallow the change.  It may disallow the configuration because currently Power BI can’t switch from Import to any other storage mode. Or, it may ask you to switch storage modes it if finds a way to perform the change on its own.

[Ronqui]

Unfortunately it is not possible to go back to DirectQuery once the current storage mode is Import.
That's the message that appears when we try to change the Storage Mode:

[DebbieE]

my goodness this was a post from 2019.  Im pretty sure things have changed with power BI since then. I cant even remember this one it was so long ago. to be honest I havent bothered changing storage modes for any of my projects since then

[v-diye-msft]

Hi @DebbieE 

You can change the mode from Import to Direct query. it's feasible only from Direct query to Import.

[DebbieE]

I know this, What I tried to say in my post is that I tried changing the table but it wouldnt change. I couldnt reset the option from Import to Direct Query.

In model pane, choose the table and open up Properties

Storage mode > Import

Open it up, try and change to direct query but it wont change

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Hi Debbie, I'm having a similar issue. In query editor, you'll need to right-click the table you're switching from Import to Direct Query and deselect the Enable Load checkmark. **Before you do this, make a note of your table relationships and any calculated columns or measures.**  Apply query changes, which will remove the table from your model. Right-click the table in Query Editor again and click Enable Load to add the checkmark back. Apply query changes and the table will load to the model with Direct Query. Reapply your relationships and any calculated fields.

[v-diye-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @DebbieE 

When Power BI Desktop detects an incompatible configuration, it may disallow the change.  It may disallow the configuration because currently Power BI can’t switch from Import to any other storage mode. Or, it may ask you to switch storage modes it if finds a way to perform the change on its own.

[RKM]

Hi @v-diye-msft

Would you kindly advise what do you mean by "Incompatible Configuration"? When does it work and when it doesn't?

I recall this feature working fine for me until last year and today when I tried creating a new PBI and on boarded one simple single SQL table from my SQL Server and later change the Storage Mode... suddenly discovered that both "Direct Query" & "Duel" is in Disabled state and I started googling and found this post. But the cause of disable dropdown is totally unclear to me.