Types of refresh in Power BI

[willatkinson]

Hi all,

Just trying to get a grasp on the different methods of refreshing data in Power BI, was wondering if I could have some help with the following scenarios in terms of setting up refreshes in Power BI desktop and in the Power BI Service. 

- Importing data with Direct Query from data models and other sources

- Importing data with Import Mode from sources from things like One drive and sharepoint

- Importing data with Import Mode from local files 

- Importating data from Azure active directory from either Import Mode or Direct Query 

Plus any other tips such as why you can't set up automatic refresh in the desktop version for certain methods of import.

Cheers

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Hi, @willatkinson 

Here are answers to your questions:
1.Importing data with Direct Query from data models and other sources
In this scenario, if your data source supports query folding, you can configure incremental refresh. In addition, you can configure scheduled refreshes.

Incremental refresh: Incremental refresh for semantic models and real-time data in Power BI - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

2.Importing data with Import Mode from sources from things like One drive and sharepoint
In this scenario, you can configure scheduled refresh and OneDrive refresh. Onedrive refreshes automatically every hour.

Onedrive refresh document: Data refresh in Power BI - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

3.Importing data with Import Mode from local files
In this case, you can configure a scheduled refresh.

Scheduled refresh document: Configure scheduled refresh - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

4.Importating data from Azure active directory from either Import Mode or Direct Query
In this case, you can still configure scheduled refresh for your semantic model.
In the above refresh scenario, you need to publish your PBIX file to the Power BI Service and refresh it in the Service. If your data source is on-premises or a database, then you'll need to install an on-premises data gateway and configure the gateway link in Power BI Service.

5.Why you can't set up automatic refresh in the desktop version for certain methods of import?
In Power BI Desktop, if you choose to connect to import, you can manually click the Refresh button in the top navigation bar to refresh your semantic model.

 If you need real-time data, then you can opt for Live Connection. A live connection allows you to rely on existing data, which can be updated without accessing the report.

Document link: What's the difference between live connections and DirectQuery? - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

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