Forum Discussion
is it a direct query or import
Hi stanteitelbaum,
Thanks for the follow up. From the screenshots you have shared, it is now clear that your Power BI file is using a Live connection to a SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) model.- In Live mode, you can create measures but not calculated columns that’s expected behaviour.
- The “Storage mode” does not appear in the Properties pane because it's only available for Import or Direct Query models.
- When you go to Data Source Settings and see the SSAS server prompt, that confirms it’s not an Import mode.
So yes, your PBIX file is connected live, and not importing data, which is why your refreshes work fine and you are not running into memory issues.
If your coworker is trying to import the full model into Power BI, that could cause memory exceptions, especially with large datasets (e.g., 66M rows). Instead, she could try:
- Using a Live connection (same as yours),
- Ensuring she's on the 64-bit Power BI version,
- Or reducing data size during import via filters.
Please refer to the below mentioned link:
Connect to Analysis Services data in Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft LearnHope this helps. If this post helps, then please give us ‘Kudos’ and consider Accept it as a solution to help the other members find it more quickly.
Thank you for using Microsoft Community Forum.
Community SupportHi stanteitelbaum,
Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft fabric community forum. Also, thanks speedramps, MasonMA, for those valuable insights for this thread. I have identified several alternative workarounds that may assist in resolving the thread.
To answer your first question about how to check whether the PBIX file is using Import or Direct Query mode just open the file and go to the Model view (the icon with the table on the left). Then, click on any table and look at the Properties pane on the right. Under "Storage mode," you will see either:
- Import – which means the data is loaded directly into Power BI, or
- Direct Query – meaning it's connected live to your SSAS cube.
Another quick way to check is by going to Transform Data → Data source settings. If it says, “Connect live” or “Direct Query,” then it’s not using Import mode.
Now, regarding the memory exception your coworker experienced while trying to import the model there could be a few reasons behind it:
- Limited RAM: If she is working on a device with 8GB or less RAM, that could easily trigger memory issues, especially with large datasets like a 66M-row fact table.
- 32-bit Power BI Desktop: It is important to ensure she’s using the 64-bit version the 32-bit one often runs into memory limits with large models.
- Too much data at once: She could try filtering rows or excluding unnecessary columns/tables during import to reduce the load.
- Auto Date/Time setting: Disabling this option (under File → Options → Data Load) can help reduce memory usage, as it prevents Power BI from generating hidden date tables automatically.
Kindly refer to the below mentioned document links for more information:
Use storage mode in Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Learn
Connect to Analysis Services data in Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Learn
If this post helps, then please give us ‘Kudos’ and consider Accept it as a solution to help the other members find it more quickly.
Thank you for using Microsoft Community Forum.
no problem v-kopoloju.
i followed your instructions for seeing table properties etc. as the image below shows there is no table icon just a model icon, viz and dax icon. when i click the model icon, then a table i dont see what you said to look for over to the right under properties.
the second image shows what i see when i click transform and then data source settings. r u sure that this indicates import mode or is there a chance that isnt true?
i'll read your links and pursue with her but the fact that at least one of your tests for "live" suggests im in import mode, and the fact that i refresh at will without error makes me think only her install or pc are in question. i'll post back here. does the fact that i can create a measure but not add a column suggest anything more to you?
- v-kpoloju-msft
Hi stanteitelbaum,
Thanks for the follow up. From the screenshots you have shared, it is now clear that your Power BI file is using a Live connection to a SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) model.- In Live mode, you can create measures but not calculated columns that’s expected behaviour.
- The “Storage mode” does not appear in the Properties pane because it's only available for Import or Direct Query models.
- When you go to Data Source Settings and see the SSAS server prompt, that confirms it’s not an Import mode.
So yes, your PBIX file is connected live, and not importing data, which is why your refreshes work fine and you are not running into memory issues.
If your coworker is trying to import the full model into Power BI, that could cause memory exceptions, especially with large datasets (e.g., 66M rows). Instead, she could try:
- Using a Live connection (same as yours),
- Ensuring she's on the 64-bit Power BI version,
- Or reducing data size during import via filters.
Please refer to the below mentioned link:
Connect to Analysis Services data in Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft LearnHope this helps. If this post helps, then please give us ‘Kudos’ and consider Accept it as a solution to help the other members find it more quickly.
Thank you for using Microsoft Community Forum.