Scheduled data refresh in Power BI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is Scheduled Data Refresh in Power BI?

Scheduled Data Refresh automatically updates your Power BI dataset at set times so your reports show the latest data without manual updates.

beginner

Why do we need Scheduled Data Refresh?

Because data changes over time, scheduled refresh keeps reports current and accurate without needing you to refresh manually.

intermediate

What are the two main types of data sources for Scheduled Refresh in Power BI?

1. Cloud data sources (like Azure SQL, SharePoint Online)
2. On-premises data sources (like local SQL Server) which need a gateway.

intermediate

What is a Data Gateway in Power BI Scheduled Refresh?

A Data Gateway is a bridge that securely connects Power BI service to your on-premises data sources so scheduled refresh can access local data.

intermediate

How often can you schedule data refresh in Power BI Pro vs Premium?

Power BI Pro allows up to 8 refreshes per day, while Power BI Premium supports up to 48 refreshes per day for more frequent updates.

What does Scheduled Data Refresh do in Power BI?

A Deletes old data from reports

B Automatically updates datasets at set times

C Sends email alerts when data changes

D Creates new reports automatically

Scheduled Data Refresh updates your dataset automatically so reports show the latest data.

Which component is needed to refresh on-premises data sources?

A Data Gateway

B Power BI Desktop

C Power BI Mobile

D Azure Data Factory

A Data Gateway securely connects Power BI service to on-premises data for refresh.

How many refreshes per day does Power BI Pro allow?

A 8

B 2

C 24

D 48

Power BI Pro allows up to 8 scheduled refreshes per day.

Which data source type does NOT require a gateway for refresh?

A On-premises SQL Server

B Local Excel file

C Azure SQL Database

D Local SharePoint Server

Cloud sources like Azure SQL Database do not require a gateway.

What happens if scheduled refresh fails?

A Power BI deletes the dataset

B The data refreshes manually

C The report refreshes anyway

D You get a failure notification

Power BI sends a notification if the scheduled refresh fails.

Explain how Scheduled Data Refresh works in Power BI and why it is important.

Think about how your reports stay up-to-date without you clicking refresh.

Describe the role of a Data Gateway in Scheduled Data Refresh.

Imagine a secure tunnel between your local data and Power BI service.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of scheduled data refresh in Power BI?

easy

A. To create new reports from scratch

B. To manually refresh data only when the user clicks refresh

C. To automatically update reports with the latest data at set times

D. To delete old data from the dataset

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand scheduled refresh concept

   Scheduled data refresh means Power BI updates data automatically without manual action.

2. Step 2: Identify the purpose in Power BI context

   This automatic update keeps reports current by refreshing data at set times.

3. Final Answer:

   To automatically update reports with the latest data at set times -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Scheduled refresh = automatic update [OK]

Hint: Scheduled refresh means automatic updates, not manual [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing scheduled refresh with manual refresh
• Thinking it creates new reports
• Assuming it deletes data

2. Which of the following is the correct place to set the scheduled refresh frequency in Power BI?

easy

A. In Power BI Service under Dataset settings

B. In Power BI Desktop under File > Options

C. In the data source system outside Power BI

D. In the Power BI mobile app settings

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify where refresh settings are configured

   Scheduled refresh frequency is set in Power BI Service, not Desktop or mobile app.

2. Step 2: Locate the exact setting

   It is found under Dataset settings in Power BI Service where you configure refresh times.

3. Final Answer:

   In Power BI Service under Dataset settings -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Refresh frequency set in Service Dataset settings [OK]

Hint: Set refresh schedule in Power BI Service, not Desktop [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Trying to set refresh in Power BI Desktop
• Looking in mobile app settings
• Assuming data source controls refresh schedule

3. Consider this scenario: You set a scheduled refresh for your dataset at 2 AM daily. The data source requires a gateway. What will happen if the gateway is offline at 2 AM?

medium

A. The refresh will succeed using cached data

B. The refresh will run but only partially update data

C. Power BI will automatically switch to a backup gateway

D. The refresh will fail and the dataset will not update

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand gateway role in scheduled refresh

   Gateway connects Power BI Service to on-premises data sources for refresh.

2. Step 2: Analyze effect of gateway being offline

   If gateway is offline, Power BI cannot access data source, so refresh fails and no update occurs.

3. Final Answer:

   The refresh will fail and the dataset will not update -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Offline gateway causes refresh failure [OK]

Hint: Gateway offline means refresh fails, no update [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming refresh uses cached data when gateway is offline
• Thinking Power BI auto-switches gateways
• Believing partial data updates happen

4. You configured scheduled refresh but it never runs. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

medium

A. The dataset credentials are invalid or expired

B. The report visuals are not published

C. The Power BI Desktop file is open on your computer

D. The refresh frequency is set to every 5 minutes

Solution

1. Step 1: Check prerequisites for scheduled refresh

   Valid credentials are required for Power BI Service to access data source during refresh.

2. Step 2: Identify why refresh might not run

   If credentials are invalid or expired, refresh cannot authenticate and will not run.

3. Final Answer:

   The dataset credentials are invalid or expired -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Invalid credentials block refresh [OK]

Hint: Always verify dataset credentials for refresh to work [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking open Desktop file blocks refresh
• Assuming report visuals affect refresh
• Believing refresh frequency too fast causes failure

5. You want to schedule a data refresh for a dataset connected to multiple data sources, some on-premises and some cloud-based. What is the best approach to ensure all data refreshes successfully?

hard

A. Only schedule refresh for cloud sources and refresh on-premises data manually

B. Use a gateway for on-premises sources and configure credentials for cloud sources in Power BI Service

C. Install multiple gateways, one for each data source type, and schedule refresh separately

D. Combine all data sources into one cloud source to avoid using gateways

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand gateway use for on-premises data

   On-premises data requires a gateway to connect Power BI Service to local data sources.

2. Step 2: Configure cloud data sources separately

   Cloud data sources do not need a gateway but require proper credentials set in Power BI Service.

3. Step 3: Combine both configurations for full refresh

   Using a gateway for on-premises and credentials for cloud sources ensures all data refreshes automatically.

4. Final Answer:

   Use a gateway for on-premises sources and configure credentials for cloud sources in Power BI Service -> Option B

5. Quick Check:

   Gateway + credentials = full scheduled refresh [OK]

Hint: Gateway for on-premises, credentials for cloud sources [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring gateway for on-premises data
• Trying to refresh all sources manually
• Assuming one gateway covers cloud sources