Using a Live Connection in Power BI

In Using a Live Connection in Power BI, Emily Taylor shows you how to build reports on top of a shared, governed data model—so everyone works from the same, trusted source of truth. You’ll learn what a live connection is, how it differs from Import and DirectQuery, and when it’s the right choice for your project. Through simple, practical examples, you’ll connect to a published semantic model, explore fields, and create visuals that always reflect the latest approved data. The course also highlights the real-world considerations: permissions and workspaces, row-level security behavior, and what you can—and can’t—change in the report layer when using a live connection. You’ll pick up tips for performance, collaboration, and handoffs between model authors and report builders. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a live connection and designing reports that are fast, consistent, and easy to maintain.