Where is data stored in Power BI
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Where is data stored in Power BI
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Amira BedhiafiPosted Apr 1, 2025, 9:34 PM
It depends on how you're connecting to and modeling your data.
Imported Data (Import Mode)
- Storage location: Data is compressed and stored within the Power BI dataset (.pbix file).
- Backend: Stored in an in-memory columnar storage engine (VertiPaq).
- Performance: Very fast for querying, as data is in-memory.
- Where: Once published, the data resides in the Power BI Service (Azure-based) — specifically in Azure Blob Storage and indexed using Azure SQL Database.
DirectQuery / Live Connection
- Storage location: Data remains in the source system (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle, Azure Synapse, SSAS).
- Power BI just sends queries to fetch data as needed.
- No data is stored in Power BI, except metadata and visuals.
Composite Models
- Combines Import and DirectQuery.
- Part of the data is stored in Power BI; part is queried live.
Power BI Dataflows
- If using Dataflows (Power BI Premium / Pro):
- Data is stored in Azure Data Lake Gen2 behind the scenes.
Power BI Service Storage
- Datasets and reports published to Power BI are stored in your Power BI tenant (hosted on Microsoft Azure).
- If you're using Power BI Premium, storage is associated with a dedicated capacity.
- Free/Pro licenses get 10 GB per user of storage.
- Premium workspaces can use up to 100 TB (or more, depending on the capacity tier).