Forum Discussion
Is Native Query Support Available in Fabric's Direct Lake Mode (Similar to Import or Direct Query)?
Hi everyone,
I’m currently exploring Microsoft Fabric and using Direct Lake mode for Power BI datasets. In Import and Direct Query modes, we can define native queries (SQL queries or custom views) to ingest only the required subset of data from the data source, which greatly helps with performance and model efficiency.
However, I couldn’t find any such option for native queries when using Direct Lake mode with a Fabric Lakehouse or Warehouse.
My question is:
Is there support for using native queries in Direct Lake mode to restrict the data being loaded into Power BI?
If not, is there a recommended approach for ingesting only a filtered or projected subset of data when working with Direct Lake mode—perhaps by defining a shortcut or view at the Lakehouse level?
Thanks in advance for your help!
mohita98 As the most answers point to the same solution could you please accept this as a solution so as others could find this easily
4 Replies
Hi mohita98 I don’t think it is possible to use native queries in Direct Lake mode like in Import or Direct Query. Instead, you can create filtered Delta table views or shortcuts at the Lakehouse level.You could also preprocess data using Fabric Dataflows or Notebooks for refined subsets.
Hi mohita98 ,
You cant use native queries in Direct Lake mode.
For more information you can visit these articles and documents that will help you clear your doubts.
https://fabric.guru/power-bi-direct-lake-mode-frequently-asked-questions
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/fundamentals/direct-lake-overview
Hope this helps!
If this answers your question, please Accept it as a solution and give it a 'Kudos' so others can find it easily.
Thank you.Hi mohita98
In Direct Lake mode, you can’t write custom SQL queries the way you can in Import or DirectQuery modes. Direct Lake is built for fast, real-time access to Delta Lake tables without moving data, which means you can’t pre-filter data through native queries.
Instead, create views or shortcuts at the Lakehouse level with only the data you need. Power BI can then connect to these in Direct Lake mode, letting you control the dataset’s scope while keeping the performance benefits.
mohita98 As the most answers point to the same solution could you please accept this as a solution so as others could find this easily
