DirectQuery vs Import mode in Power BI - Compared

Introduction

Power BI lets you connect to data in two main ways: Import mode and DirectQuery mode. Import mode copies data into Power BI for fast analysis. DirectQuery mode keeps data in the source and queries it live. Choosing the right mode helps balance speed and data freshness.

When you want fast report performance with data that does not change often, use Import mode.

When your data updates frequently and you need the latest values in reports, use DirectQuery mode.

When your dataset is very large and cannot fit into Power BI memory, use DirectQuery mode.

When you want to combine data from multiple sources that support DirectQuery, use DirectQuery mode.

When you want to work offline or without constant connection to the data source, use Import mode.

Steps

Step 1: Click

- Home tab > Get Data

The Get Data window opens showing available data sources

Step 2: Select

- Choose your data source (e.g., SQL Server)

Connection settings window appears for the selected data source

Step 3: Enter

- Connection settings window

You provide server and database details for the data source

Step 4: Choose

- Data connectivity mode option at the bottom of the window

You select either Import or DirectQuery mode for loading data

💡 Import mode copies data into Power BI; DirectQuery queries data live from the source

Step 5: Click

- Connect button

Power BI loads data according to the selected mode and shows tables in Fields pane

Before vs After

Before

Data source connected with Import mode; data is copied and stored in Power BI; reports load quickly but data is static until refreshed

After

Data source connected with DirectQuery mode; data stays in source; reports show live data but may load slower

Settings Reference

Data connectivity mode

📍 Get Data connection window

Choose how Power BI accesses data: Import copies data, DirectQuery queries live

Default: Import

Scheduled refresh

📍 Dataset settings in Power BI Service

Controls automatic data refresh for imported data

Default: Off for DirectQuery, On for Import

Query reduction options

📍 Options > Query reduction in Power BI Desktop

Helps reduce the number of queries sent in DirectQuery mode

Default: Disabled

Common Mistakes

Choosing Import mode for very large datasets

Import mode may fail or be very slow because data size exceeds memory limits

Use DirectQuery mode to query large datasets live without importing all data

Using DirectQuery mode without considering query performance

Reports may be slow or time out because every interaction sends queries to the data source

Optimize queries, use query reduction options, or switch to Import mode if possible

Expecting real-time data updates in Import mode without refresh

Import mode data is static until manually or scheduled refreshed

Use DirectQuery mode for live data or set up scheduled refresh for Import mode

Summary

Import mode copies data into Power BI for fast report performance but requires refresh to update data.

DirectQuery mode keeps data in the source and queries live for up-to-date data but may be slower.

Choose the mode based on data size, update frequency, and performance needs.