Forum Discussion
Default connection on Semantic Models
Yes, SSO is mostly only relevant to DirectQuery and you are right that creating a new connection is the correct fix.
To enable refresh for an Import Mode report on Fabric:
Create a New Connection in your workspace:
Go to Manage Connections and Gateways in the workspace.
Click New Connection, choose Lakehouse (or SQL Server if applicable).
Configure Azure AD Authentication with a service principal or Managed Identity if available.
Bind the Semantic Model to This New Connection:
Go to the Semantic Model settings in the workspace.
Under Data source credentials, replace the Default Connection with your new one.
This enables refresh scheduling.
What is the SQL analytics endpoint for a lakehouse?
Overview of single sign-on for on-premises data gateways in Power BI
Please mark this post as solution if it helps you. Appreciate Kudos.
When Power BI report published using a Lakehouse or Warehouse SQL Analytics endpoint, Power BI automatically creates a Default Connection using Single Sign-On (SSO). This works fine in Power BI Desktop, but in the Power BI Service, SSO-based default connections don’t support scheduled refreshes
You need to manually create a new data connection with explicit credentials and bind your semantic model to it:
1. Go to Power BI Service
Open the workspace where your semantic model (dataset) is published.
2. Open the Semantic Model Settings• Click the ellipsis (⋯) next to the dataset.
• Choose Settings.
3. Replace the Default Connection• Under Data source credentials, you’ll see the default connection listed.
• Click Edit credentials.
• If it doesn’t allow editing (common with default connections), proceed to the next step.
4. Create a New Connection• Go to Manage Connections and Gateways in the Power BI Service.
• Create a new Cloud Connection to your Fabric Warehouse or Lakehouse.
• Use OAuth2 or Basic Authentication with explicit credentials.
5. Rebind the Semantic Model• In the dataset settings, map the new connection to the dataset.
• Save changes.
6. Schedule Refresh• Now go to the Scheduled refresh section.
• Set your preferred refresh frequency and time.
If you’re using Import Mode, this fix is essential. For DirectQuery, refresh isn’t needed, but you still need explicit credentials for live queries to work in the service.