Questions around OneDrive/SharePoint dataset/report refresh

[olik]

Hi all,

I've built a report in Power BI Desktop, linked to .csv files on SharePoint Online. I've then saved that .pbix in the same SharePoint Online folder, and imported it from Power BI Service.

1. My understanding was that changing the underlying .csv files would automatically trigger a refresh of the dataset if everything is on SharePoint Online, but it's clearly not doing that. Does my current set-up only auto-update if I change the actual .pbix file? That's not much help, so I guess I need to still set up scheduled refreshes?
2. Even once the dataset is refreshed, why does that require another "Refresh" click on the report to actually update the visuals? Is there no way to auto-trigger that as soon as the dataset is updated?

Thanks!

[v-qiuyu-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @olik,

1. In your scenario, I know there are two refresh options available for you: Schedule refresh and OneDrive refresh, but you need to set up schedule refresh or click Refresh Now to get updated data on Power BI service. 

With schedule refresh/ Refresh Now, Power BI get data from the original data source instead of pbix file stored on SharePoint. 

But OneDrive refresh synchronizes your Power BI Desktop, or Excel, file between the Power BI service and OneDrive, or SharePoint Online. This does not pull data from the original data source. The dataset in Power BI will only be updated with what is in the file within OneDrive, or SharePoint Online. See: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/refresh-data#types-of-refresh

2. If you already opened the report before the dataset finish refresh, you need to click on Refresh button to get updated data. But if you open the report after the dataset is refreshed, it's unnecessary to click this button. This is expected. 

Best Regards,
Qiuyun Yu