How to toggle a query between Import and DirectQuery data connectivity modes

[pbi_106]

Hello,

Maybe I'm missing something rather simple, but once I've created a query, can I go back in and switch the data connectivity mode?  I see the radio buttons for Import and DirectQuery showing up when I first create a query, but having trouble finding them when I go into the data source settings to change the source, these radio buttons aren't visible.  Can they be found in another place, or is there no way to change this once the query has been created?

Also, I'm hoping for confirmation as to the difference between Import and DirectQuery.  Does import gather up all of the data during a data refresh and tie it to the report file itself, whereas DirectQuery just queries the database in real time?

Thank you for your help.

[AlexisOlson · Accepted solution]

You are correct about the difference.

Generally, you can change from DirectQuery to Import but not the other way around (partly because DirectQuery has greater restrictions on transformations). To go from Import to DirectQuery (assuming the query doesn't violate the restrictions), you need to recreate the query (you can copy and paste the query code rather than manually re-applying the same steps).

Screenshot from the first link below:

Further details:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/transform-model/desktop-storage-mode

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/service-dataset-modes-understand