Change semantic model source in mixed storage mode

[Christian_S]

Hello,

i have a semantic model with the Storage Mode: Mixed.

I'm trying to change the source of a connection to a different semantic model in power bi desktop Version: 2.137.751.0 64-bit (Oktober 2024).

If i press the "change source..." button the screen freezes. I see in that there is a new window in the taskbar. But its blank white. If i close the window i can use Power Bi again.

I tried it with a different report where the only datasource is a connection to a semantic model. Everything works fine there.

Best Regards

Christian

[Christian_S · Accepted solution]

Hey @colecrouter ,

for me everthing works fine again with the new update.

Im using the Version: 2.137.952.0 64-bit (Oktober 2024)

Can you confirm the same?

[colecrouter]

I'm having the same issue in DirectQuery mode. When you click "Change Source", it opens another window & becomes unresponsive.

I can can confirm, this only started happening since the latest update.

[Christian_S · Accepted solution]

Hey @colecrouter ,

for me everthing works fine again with the new update.

Im using the Version: 2.137.952.0 64-bit (Oktober 2024)

Can you confirm the same?

[colecrouter · Accepted solution]

It seems to be working for me now, using Version: 2.137.1102.0 64-bit (October, 2024). I hadn't checked my version beforehand, so maybe it has been patched, or my problem was isolated.

[Anonymous]

Hi @Christian_S ,
Based on your description, you can't change the data source that the Power BI semantic model points to when using a mixed model. After testing, a blank window appears when you click on the option to change the data source. This may be because the composite pattern only allows for Direct Query and import patterns, so your semantic model will be converted to the Direct Query mode, and the loading of the local model has already occurred. This can result in the location of the Power BI semantic model not being recognized. And it will cause conflicts in model loading. One possible workaround is for you to repeat the steps to get the data source to get the new semantic model and remove the previous connection.
Use composite models in Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Learn
Use storage mode in Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Best regards,
Albert He

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly

[rohit1991]

Here are some steps you can try:

1. Check for any external dependencies: Ensure that your semantic model source isn't being used by another process, which might cause the freeze.
   
   

2. Clear cache: Sometimes Power BI caches can cause issues. Clear the cache in Options > Data Load > Clear cache.
   
   

3. Disable preview features: Try disabling any preview features in Power BI Desktop under Options > Preview Features. Restart Power BI and try changing the source again.
   
   

4. Try with another dataset or model: Create a new Power BI file, connect it to a different semantic model, and see if the issue persists. This will help you identify if it’s a problem specific to the report or the model.
   
   

5. Update or reinstall Power BI Desktop: Ensure that you're on the latest version of Power BI Desktop. You could also try uninstalling and reinstalling the application to see if that fixes the issue.
   
   

6. Look for workspace permissions or connection changes: Check if the new semantic model source you're trying to connect to has the right permissions, or if there were any recent changes in the dataset's workspace or security settings.

[Christian_S]

I tried everything exept point 5. I cant manually update or uninstall and reinstall. Everything is managed by our organisation automatically.

With the new Power Bi file i created everything works fine and I can change the data source when there is only 1 connection to a semantic model.  As soon as i add another data source for example an excel file i cant change the data source for the semantic model anymore. It doesnt matter to which semantic model i connect. 

[rohit1991]

Hi @Christian_S 

When your file uses “Mixed” storage mode (e.g., it connects to both a semantic model and another data source like Excel), the “Change Source” function for the semantic model often becomes disabled or causes Power BI to freeze. This is expected behavior, and unfortunately, there’s no fix yet.

Workarounds:

• If possible, remove all other data sources (like Excel), change the semantic model source, then re-add your additional data sources.
  
  

• Or, create a new PBIX file with the desired semantic model connection, then re-import your visuals or queries.

This limitation affects all current versions and isn’t resolved by updates or reinstalls.
Hopefully, Microsoft will address this in a future release. For now, using a new PBIX or removing secondary data sources temporarily is the best solution.