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.
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?
Community SupportHi 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 Learn
Hope 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.