Unable to open PBIX file from SharePoint folder

Hi ManasRout 

DirectQuery is supported with Databricks, and storing/opening a .pbix file from SharePoint is also supported.

More often, the error might come from one of below listed causes:

Common causes

1. Missing permissions

   • Your colleague may not have access to the Databricks source or the saved credentials/auth method.

2. Credentials are not embedded for the user

   • A PBIX file stored in SharePoint does not carry everyone’s authentication.
   • If the connection uses your account credentials, another user opening the file may be blocked.

3. DirectQuery source accessibility

   • Their machine must be able to reach Databricks and authenticate correctly.

4. Version / refresh / cache issues

   • Sometimes the PBIX opens, but a query or preview refresh fails because the source connection can’t be re-established.

Important distinction

• SharePoint is only storing the PBIX file
• The DirectQuery connection still points to Databricks
• So when your colleague opens the PBIX, Power BI must still validate access to Databricks

Here are the relevant Microsoft links:

• DirectQuery overview and limitations
  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about

• Use DirectQuery in Power BI Desktop
  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-use-directquery

• Azure Databricks connector for Power BI
  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-connect-to-databricks

• Save and share Power BI files in OneDrive/SharePoint
  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/create-reports/desktop-save-to-sharepoint-onedrive

Hi,

This behavior is expected. The SharePoint/OneDrive PBIX preview currently has limitations and doesn't support opening PBIX files that use certain live connectivity modes, including DirectQuery. That's why you're seeing the DirectQueryNotSupported error.

Your colleague should download the PBIX file and open it using the Power BI Desktop version that supports the same DirectQuery connector (in your case, Databricks).

If you want users to view and interact with the report without Power BI Desktop, the recommended approach is to publish the report to the Power BI Service and share it from there.

So, in short:

Import mode PBIX files can be opened in the SharePoint/OneDrive preview.

DirectQuery PBIX files are not currently supported in that preview experience.

Downloading the file and opening it in Power BI Desktop, or using the Power BI Service, are the supported options.