IMPORT DATA FROM A POWER BI SEMANTIC MODEL INSTEAD OF LIVE CONNECTION?

Would you like to import data from a Power BI Semantic model instead of a having a live connection with the model?

One way to achieve this is by importing the underlying Analysis Services model. This can be done by following the steps below.

Get the connection link in settings of the workspace your Semantic Model resides in: License info > Connection link.

Then, open Power BI Desktop > Get data > Analysis Services > use the connection link as the server > enter the database (optional) > enter a DAX query like EVALUATE SUMMARIZECOLUMNS( Etc. ) (optional)

Using the DAX query option even allows you to get columns that are hidden in the Power BI Semantic Model.

As a sidenote, you might need to change connection details; you need to authenticate using your Microsoft account. Check this by doing the following: transform data in the Home tab > Data source settings > Global permissions > Find your connection string in the list > Edit permissions > Select Microsoft account.

Another sidenote, this only works for Semantic Models in premium capacity.

The final sidenote to end all sidenotes: remember that you do not have “real-time” data anymore because you are not using a live connection.