When connecting via "Datahub", the data tab is not available

[Joerg4711]

Hi, 

I'm quite sure that's not really a problem and works "as designed" but I can't find any documentation about this limitation. 

So maybe someone can tell me the reason for this: 

I experienced, when I connect to a dataset using the datahub ribbon in PBI Desktop, the connection does not show me the datatab on the very left. 

When I download the pbix from very same dataset in the workspace, the datatab is shown. 

Why is that? 

Thanks for your help.. 

[v-jingzhang · Accepted solution]

Hi @Joerg4711 

In Power BI, there are three options for connecting to data: import, DirectQuery, and live connection. Reference: Power BI connectivity modes 

When you connect to a dataset using the datahub in Power BI Desktop, it connects with Live Connection by default. You will see the application screen like below image. At bottom, it indicates "Connected live to the Power BI dataset xxxxxxxx". And Data view tab disappears from the left bar. This is by design. 

When connecting with Live connection, it only brings meta data of the dataset into Power BI Desktop. It doesn't import any underlying tables or model into PBI Desktop. The table data and model are hosted in Power BI Service. When you add fields into visuals, it will send queries to the capacity or Analysis Services instance that hosts the dataset or the model.

In addition, Data view shows data after it's loaded into the model in Power BI Desktop. Since in Live Connection mode, the whole model is not in Power BI Desktop, the Data view tab is designed to be invisible. 

You can also read the following doc to learn more about the feature you are using:

Connect to datasets in the Power BI service from Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Downloading a file from a dataset in Power BI Service is a different thing. It includes both the report and the data in the exported .pbix file. See: Download a report from the Power BI service to Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Best Regards,
Community Support Team _ Jing
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