Connect to dataflow in Power BI Service?

[mopetkewi]

Is there any way to connect to dataflow from a report in Power BI service directly (as opposed to connect in the desktop)?

[suparnababu8]

Hi @mopetkewi 

Yes, you can connect to a dataflow directly from a report in the Power BI service using DirectQuery. This allows you to connect to a dataflow without needing to import the data into Power BI Desktop.

Follow below steps to Connect to a Dataflow Using DirectQuery
Enable Enhanced Compute Engine:
- Ensure the enhanced compute engine is enabled for your dataflow. This setting is necessary for DirectQuery to work.
- Go to the dataflow settings in the Power BI service, toggle the enhanced compute engine to “On,” and refresh the dataflow.

Create a Report in Power BI Service:
- In the Power BI service, navigate to the workspace where your dataflow is located.
- Click on Create > Report.

Select Data Source:
- Choose Dataflows as your data source.
- Select the dataflow you want to connect to. You will be prompted to choose between DirectQuery and Import. Select DirectQuery.

Build Your Report:
- Once connected, you can start building your report using the data from the dataflow. The data will be queried in real-time, providing up-to-date information without the need for manual refreshes

Need additinal info visit this - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/transform-model/dataflows/dataflows-directquery

Thanks

[mopetkewi]

I really appreciate this detailed answer.  I tried to check the "Enable Enhanced Compute Engine" option but it was not available to me (grayed out).   I think this feature may only be an option for premium license from what I found on the web.  I have a pro license. 

[Tutu_in_YYC]

@mopetkewi 
I have a feeling that @suparnababu8  was referring to setting up direct query to dataflow in Power bi desktop, then publishing it. 

But if i understand correctly, you want to do it in power bi service directly, right?

[mopetkewi]

Yes - I want to do it on Power BI service directly.

[Tutu_in_YYC]

I still think we cant do that, but let me give the instructions from @suparnababu8 another try in a few hours. I will keep you posted

[Tutu_in_YYC]

@mopetkewi 
no dice, when it comes to consuming dataflow directly from a report in power bi service. A semantic model has to be created in power bi desktop first. Here is a doc from microsoft to support this:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/transform-model/dataflows/dataflows-configure-consume#con...

But... this is power bi, new stuff comes up all the time, there could be someting that we miss/ not aware of. Lets see if suparnababy8 can shed more light on his solution.

 

[Tutu_in_YYC]

I am on premium, and i still cant see dataflow as an option after following the instructions. I will try 

[Tutu_in_YYC]

@suparnababu8 
I am not able to see Dataflow as a data source. Can you provide a screenshot where dataflow can be selected in the power bi service?

These are the only options i see:

[-Hemant]

Same here with me , Not able to locate Dataflow as a data source in Power Bi service. 

[Tutu_in_YYC]

yeah i dont think its possible. he was probably referring to power bi desktop.

[Tutu_in_YYC]

unfortunately not. You gotta create a semantic model first, which commonly done in Power bi desktop. But you do have the option to create a semantic model in power bi service through either pbi datamart or lakehouse