Semantic data model in Power BI service using direct query mode

[Hitu]

Hi Team,

Is it possible to create semantic data model in Power BI service using direct query mode starting from scratch?

[jaineshp · Accepted solution]

Hey @Hitu,

Unfortunately, creating DirectQuery semantic models directly in Power BI Service isn't supported currently.

• Service requires Desktop for initial DirectQuery model creation
• Amazon Athena connector needs Desktop setup first
• No workaround exists for pure Service-based creation

Fixed? ✓ Mark it • Share it • Help others!

Best Regards,
Jainesh Poojara | Power BI Developer

[v-venuppu · Accepted solution]

Hi @Hitu ,

I hope the information provided is helpful.I wanted to check whether you were able to resolve the issue with the provided solutions.Please let us know if you need any further assistance.

Thank you.

[v-venuppu]

Hi @Hitu ,

May I ask if you have resolved this issue? Please let us know if you have any further issues, we are happy to help.

Thank you.

[v-venuppu]

Hi @Hitu ,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Fabric Community.

Thank you @jaineshp for the prompt response.

I wanted to check if you were able to resolve the issue with the provided solution.Please let us know if you need any further assistance.We are happy to help.

Thank you.

[jaineshp]

Hey @Hitu,

Yes, creating a semantic data model in Power BI Service using DirectQuery mode from scratch is definitely possible.

Power BI Desktop:

• Start with Power BI Desktop and create your DirectQuery semantic model there first
• Go to Home → Get Data and select your data source (SQL Server, Oracle, etc.)
• In the connection dialog, under Data Connectivity mode, select DirectQuery Microsoft LearnGitHub
• Build your data model, relationships, and measures in Desktop
• Publish the .pbix file to Power BI Service to create the semantic model
• Once published, the semantic model will maintain DirectQuery mode in the service

Hope this helps clarify the approach.

Fixed? ✓ Mark it • Share it • Help others!

Best Regards,
Jainesh Poojara | Power BI Developer

[Hitu]

Hi @jaineshp 

Thanking you for your quick response.You have mention creating the semantic model in Power BI desktop , but here i am looking for option to create the semantic model with direct query mode connecting to Amazon Athena in Power BI service  and without using Power BI desktop.

[jaineshp · Accepted solution]

Hey @Hitu,

Unfortunately, creating DirectQuery semantic models directly in Power BI Service isn't supported currently.

• Service requires Desktop for initial DirectQuery model creation
• Amazon Athena connector needs Desktop setup first
• No workaround exists for pure Service-based creation

Fixed? ✓ Mark it • Share it • Help others!

Best Regards,
Jainesh Poojara | Power BI Developer

[Hitu]

@jaineshp 
Thanking you for the confirmation. Much appreciated