# Power BI DirectQuery > Depth-first rabbithole dossier for Power BI DirectQuery; source-anchored research pack. Parent: [Atlas SQL Interface MongoSQL](https://llms-explorer.com/tree/atlas-sql-interface-mongosql/) · 5 facets · 35 facts · page: https://llms-explorer.com/tree/power-bi-directquery/ ## Definitions - [low] Power BI DirectQuery is a connection mode available with the Power BI Connector for MongoDB version 1.2 and later, requiring the MongoDB ODBC Driver version 1.2 or later. (verified as of 2026-10-15) Sources: https://www.mongodb.com/docs/sql-interface/connect.md — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#tools` - [low] Long text columns longer than 32,764 characters are not supported in Power BI DirectQuery. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#antipatterns` - [low] Clustering is not supported in Power BI DirectQuery. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#antipatterns` - [low] Quick insights are not supported for DirectQuery semantic models in Power BI. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#antipatterns` - [high] The Power BI Connector for MongoDB is an integration built by MongoDB and certified by Microsoft, and it ships with Power BI Desktop. Sources: https://mongodb.com/company/blog/product-release-announcements/real-time-insights-through-atlas-sql-interface, https://www.mongodb.com/docs/sql-interface/connect.md — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#tools` ## How it works - [low] When creating a dataflow from a blank query in the Power BI service, the On-Premise Data Gateway must be selected from the drop-down at the bottom of the Query Window (the source does not describe this as a DirectQuery step). Sources: https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/mongodb-atlas-connector-power-bi-service/232822 — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#methodology` ## Problems, failure modes and limitations - [low] The service enforces a 4-minute timeout per query in Power BI DirectQuery, causing visuals that exceed the limit to fail with a timeout error. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#antipatterns` - [low] Any query or intermediate operation in Power BI DirectQuery that returns more than 1,000,000 rows fails due to the one million row intermediate result limit. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#antipatterns` - [low] You cannot reverse converting a table's storage mode from DirectQuery to Import in Power BI; once saved as Import, you cannot switch the table back to DirectQuery within the web editor. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#antipatterns` - [low] You cannot currently create or edit DirectQuery models in the Power BI service for SAP HANA as a relational source, Cubes (Analysis Services / Multidimensional), and Blank Query. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#antipatterns` ## Comparisons and alternatives - [low] Power BI DirectQuery allows users to keep data in the source and query it at report time instead of importing it, where each visual triggers one or more queries to the underlying source. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#core` ## Facts and statements - [low] Visual refresh latency in Power BI DirectQuery depends entirely on the underlying source performance and network or gateway overhead. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#core` - [low] Publishing a Power BI DirectQuery model creates a semantic model definition containing schema and metadata without importing data. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#core` - [low] Aim for common visual refresh times under 5 seconds in Power BI DirectQuery, as more than 30 seconds degrades usability. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#methodology` - [low] A Power BI Gateway is required to publish and refresh Power BI DirectQuery data, and if the gateway is on a server, the connector and driver must also reside on that server. Sources: https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/mongodb-atlas-connector-power-bi-service/232822 — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#methodology` - [low] The on-premise gateway for Power BI DirectQuery with MongoDB Atlas requires the MongoDB ODBC Driver installed on the same server or PC as the Gateway, an Atlas Cluster or Datasource, an Atlas Federated DB, and a MongoDB URI for connection. Sources: https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/mongodb-atlas-connector-power-bi-service/232822 — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#methodology` - [low] The MongoDBAtlasODBC.Query function in Power BI DirectQuery uses the Power BI Connector Connection String from Atlas, the Database Name, and the specific collection to fetch. Sources: https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/mongodb-atlas-connector-power-bi-service/232822 — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#methodology` - [low] Power BI DirectQuery data can be refreshed manually or on a scheduled basis. Sources: https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/mongodb-atlas-connector-power-bi-service/232822 — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#methodology` - [low] Time precision in Power BI DirectQuery is limited to seconds, requiring milliseconds to be removed at the source. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#antipatterns` - [low] Power BI DirectQuery does not support automatic date hierarchy, requiring the creation of an explicit Date table. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#antipatterns` - [low] Power BI DirectQuery does not support parent-child PATH functions. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#antipatterns` - [low] Stored procedure calls and common table expressions (CTEs) are not supported in a way that allows folding in Power BI DirectQuery. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#antipatterns` - [low] Unless SSO is configured, Power BI DirectQuery uses configured stored credentials for all viewers. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#antipatterns` - [low] DirectQuery tiles in Power BI refresh on a schedule with a default of hourly, adjustable from every 15 minutes up to weekly. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#methodology` - [low] The per-file DirectQuery concurrency in Power BI defaults to 10 and can be adjusted in File > Options and settings > Options > DirectQuery. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#methodology` - [low] Power BI Pro and Power BI Report Server support 10 active connections for DirectQuery. Sources: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-directquery-about — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#methodology` - [low] Data flows work with the MongoDB Atlas Power BI connector, the MongoDB ODBC driver, and an on-premise gateway (the source does not tie this to DirectQuery). Sources: https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/mongodb-atlas-connector-power-bi-service/232822 — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#methodology` - [low] Creating a report in Power BI Desktop and publishing it to Power BI Service makes the dataset available in Power BI Service (the source does not say this dataset is DirectQuery). Sources: https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/mongodb-atlas-connector-power-bi-service/232822 — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#methodology` - [low] A forum user asked whether a dataset published from Power BI Desktop can be used only for reports and not from a dataflow or datamart; the source poses this as an unconfirmed question and does not tie it to DirectQuery. Sources: https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/mongodb-atlas-connector-power-bi-service/232822 — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#antipatterns` - [low] DirectQuery does not support some actions in Power BI, prompting users to switch to Import Mode if an unsupported action is attempted. Sources: https://www.mongodb.com/docs/sql-interface/connect.md — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#antipatterns` - [medium] You do not need to configure a DSN to connect from Power BI Desktop with the Power BI Connector for MongoDB in either Import Mode or Direct Query. Sources: https://www.mongodb.com/docs/sql-interface/install-driver.md, https://www.mongodb.com/docs/sql-interface/connect.md — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#tools` - [low] Microsoft updates and releases Power BI monthly, and Atlas supports only the latest version of Power BI Desktop. (verified as of 2026-10-15) Sources: https://www.mongodb.com/docs/sql-interface/connect.md — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#tools` - [low] Users may be able to connect Power BI Desktop to Atlas but not Power BI Service. Sources: https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/mongodb-atlas-connector-power-bi-service/232822 — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#troubleshooting` - [low] The MongoDB ODBC connector may show that it is no longer certified by Microsoft, though it still works in Power BI Desktop. (verified as of 2026-10-15) Sources: https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/mongodb-atlas-odbc-connector-issues-with-power-bi/316713 — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#troubleshooting` - [low] New projects may not be able to refresh the dataset from the Power BI web service through the on-premise gateway, refreshing only on the Power BI Desktop. Sources: https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/mongodb-atlas-odbc-connector-issues-with-power-bi/316713 — source: `~/.global-ai-hub/research/.pipeline/mongodb-2026-10-14/frb/power-bi-directquery-337d7199f6/rabbithole-synthesis.md#troubleshooting` ## Related concepts - Power — is a part of Power BI DirectQuery - DirectQuery — is a part of Power BI DirectQuery