general question about transformations in Direct Query mode

Hi Jolyon,

I make a test that connect to SQL Server database via  DirectQuery option in Power BI Desktop and perform the actions you want to do.

Firstly, we are not able to import local Excel table to Power BI Desktop in the current PBIX file once you connect to SQL Server database via  DirectQuery option. You will get the following message that suggest you to switch from DirectQuery mode to import mode. Thus, in DirectQuery mode, it is impossible to produce a relationship between Data model from CRM database and a local Excel table.


Secondly, we can rename the columns in Power BI Desktop, it will not impact the original data in SQL Server database.

Thirdly, we are able to add new columns but we can’t add new table. For more information about using DirectQuery in Power BI Desktop, please refer to this article: https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/powerbi-desktop-use-directquery/ .

Thanks,
Lydia Zhang