Mixed Model - DirectQuery may not be used with this data source

[dkernen2]

I am having an issue with a mixed model semantic model.  The error I received is this:

Error fetching data for this visual

DirectQuery error: DirectQuery may not be used with this data source - please consider moving to a supported data source or upgrading the SQL Server data source to the latest available version.

Activity IDd389f84e-c533-4c13-9537-ba84fb87ece1

Request ID6259b656-8c6d-4118-be14-f2e38e01096a

Correlation IDe6c92917-5197-3991-13fd-d74faf419079

TimeMon Jun 23 2025 09:15:20 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)

Service version13.0.26140.37

Client version2506.3.24641-train

Cluster URIhttps://wabi-south-central-us-redirect.analysis.windows.net/

All of my tables are from the same database in Snowflake.  Only one is Direct Query (and it is a tiny table); the rest are Imported (daily).  I don’t understand why the table and visuals work perfectly in Desktop but do not work in the PBI Service.  Can you please help?

[v-dineshya]

Hi @dkernen2 ,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community Forum.

Please check below things to fix the issue.

1. Power BI Service requires an On-premises data gateway for DirectQuery connections to Snowflake. Even though Snowflake is cloud-based. Check the gateway is installed and running. It’s configured to connect to Snowflake. The credentials used in the gateway match those used in Desktop.

2. Power BI introduced a new implementation of the Snowflake connector. If your model was built using the older version, it might not behave the same in the Service. check below thing.

Open Power BI Desktop. Go to File > Options and settings > Options > Preview features. Check if the new Snowflake connector is "enabled".

3. Power BI Service has stricter rules for mixed models. Even if only one table is DirectQuery, the entire model must comply with DirectQuery constraints. Some features or transformations that work in Desktop may not be supported in Service.

4. Ensure that the Power BI Service account has access to Snowflake and there are no IP restrictions or firewall rules blocking the connection.

5. Try rebuilding the semantic model using the new Snowflake connector and re-publishing it. Sometimes, legacy metadata can cause compatibility issues.

Please refer Microsoft Official document and community threads.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-query/connectors/snowflake

Solved: DirectQuery error: DirectQuery may not be used wit... - Microsoft Fabric Community

https://community.fabric.microsoft.com/t5/Desktop/Power-BI-Service-Snowflake-Error/td-p/4714501

If my response has resolved your query, please mark it as the "Accepted Solution" to assist others. Additionally, a "Kudos" would be appreciated if you found my response helpful.

Thank you

[dkernen2]

Thank you for your reply.  I have been testing, which is the reason for my tardy reply.  It appears I may have an issue on my hard drive, so I am having to wipe my existing machine.  I have tested the functionality with other laptops and have not received errors.  I was able to connect and use the DirectQuery without the gateway.  One necessary step was to disable the Snowflake connector preview issue.

[v-dineshya]

Hi @dkernen2 ,

As you mentioned in the previous reply,  you are able to connect and use the DirectQuery without the gateway.  And if you have any further query do let us know.

If my response has resolved your query, please mark it as the "Accepted Solution" to assist others. Additionally, a "Kudos" would be appreciated if you found my response helpful.

Regards,

Dinesh

[MasonMA]

Hi, it sounds like a mixed storage mode issue, would you be able to use Import mode for your small table that is on DirectQuery and give it another test. Not sure if this would fix issue, but it may be worth giving a try. 

[dkernen2]

Thank you for your reply.

I cannot.  I need that one table to be "live" (DirectQuery) data.  Any other thoughts?