Direct Query License Limitations

[JosefPrakljacic]

Hey guys,

I wanted to know if there is a limitation on terms of the number of refreshes for a direct query report? If I have only the pro license am I able to refresh the data more than 8 times per day? What happens if I try to exceed the number?

BR,

Josef

[v-xuding-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @JosefPrakljacic , @collinq ,

If the report is using Direct Query mode or live connection, we can configure refresh frequency in schedule cache refresh. It can refresh more than 8 times. 

There is a direct connection between Power BI and the database. When you interact with a visualization, queries are sent from Power BI directly to the database. To enhance performance, dashboards tiles are cached and periodically refreshed. Change the frequency there. (You can always manually refresh a tile any time by using the option on the More menu of the tile.)

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/refresh-data#datasets-in-directqueryliveconne...

For scheduled refresh (datasets with import mode), we can only refresh 8 time daily.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/refresh-data#configure-scheduled-refresh

[v-xuding-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @JosefPrakljacic , @collinq ,

If the report is using Direct Query mode or live connection, we can configure refresh frequency in schedule cache refresh. It can refresh more than 8 times. 

There is a direct connection between Power BI and the database. When you interact with a visualization, queries are sent from Power BI directly to the database. To enhance performance, dashboards tiles are cached and periodically refreshed. Change the frequency there. (You can always manually refresh a tile any time by using the option on the More menu of the tile.)

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/refresh-data#datasets-in-directqueryliveconne...

For scheduled refresh (datasets with import mode), we can only refresh 8 time daily.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/refresh-data#configure-scheduled-refresh

[collinq]

Hi @JosefPrakljacic ,

The number of refreshes is based on the license and not the type of data connection.  The standard refresh number is 8 for the Pro license.  If you have the Pro License you will not get the option to set more than 8 times.  If you need more than 8 refreshes you will need something like the Premium license.

I would appreciate Kudos if my response was helpful. I would also appreciate it if you would Mark this As a Solution if it solved the problem. Thanks!

[JosefPrakljacic · Accepted solution]

Hey @collinq,

I've tested it now and with direct query and a pro license you can refresh atleast 20 times 😉 

That means that the refresh restriction only applies to import modes like @v-xuding-msft  has mentioned it.

BR,

Josef