Get certified for free when you join Fabric Data Days 2026 and dive into Fabric, Power BI, SQL, AI, and other essential data skills.
Join nowData Days is here! Join us now for 60+ days of learning, challenges, and connection. Learn more
Hello,
I'd like to know how we can find out the semantic model storage mode (import, direct query, etc.) via the Power BI service UI or via API.
We can learn about the model storage mode by downloading the PBIX file and viewing the table storage in either the report view or the model view under properties in PowerBI Desktop.
We have this Admin API: Admin - Datasets GetDatasetsInGroupAsAdmin - REST API (Power BI Power BI REST APIs) | Microsoft Lear... to acquire a list of datasets, and in this API response, various dataset properties are returned along with dataset information, one of which is "Target storage mode," but this "Target storage mode" does not give a storage mode answer.
We only know from the target storage mode if the dataset's data is stored in ABF (Azure blob storage) or using premium capacity features.
Is there a way to look into the storage mode of semantic models in the Power BI service UI?
Solved! Go to Solution.
@Pawan_123 Sort of. If you bring up the Settings for a semantic model in the Service and you don't have Refresh available, then it is DirectQuery otherwise it is Import or at least has some Import tables.
@Pawan_123 Sort of. If you bring up the Settings for a semantic model in the Service and you don't have Refresh available, then it is DirectQuery otherwise it is Import or at least has some Import tables.
Don't miss out on Data Days, June 15 through August 7. Learn Fabric, Power BI, SQL, AI and more.
Check out the May 2026 Power BI update to learn about new features.
| User | Count |
|---|---|
| 16 | |
| 10 | |
| 10 | |
| 8 | |
| 7 |
| User | Count |
|---|---|
| 41 | |
| 37 | |
| 35 | |
| 29 | |
| 20 |