Data refresh is the process of updating the data behind a Power BI report, model or dashboard from its connected data source.
Data refresh
Data refresh is the process of updating report data so Power BI reports reflect newer information from the data source.
Quick facts about data refresh
Updates report data
Data refresh brings newer data from the source into the Power BI model or reporting setup.
Supports accuracy
A successful refresh helps users work with current information instead of outdated values.
Can be manual or scheduled
Refreshes can be started manually or configured to run automatically at planned times.
Depends on the source
Refresh reliability can depend on credentials, gateways, source systems, data changes and refresh settings.
What happens when report data changes
Data refresh matters when the information behind a report changes after the report has been built. A sales report, finance dashboard or customer portal may all need new source data to appear in the reporting experience.
Data refresh is often relevant for:
- Imported Power BI models
- Updated files or databases
- Daily or weekly reporting cycles
- Customer and partner report updates
A refresh does not redesign the report. It updates the data behind it, so the same visuals, measures and filters can show more recent values.
A report is only as current as its last refresh
A Power BI report can be well designed and still lose value if the data is stale. Users need to know whether the numbers they see reflect the latest available information or an older version of the dataset.
For shared reporting, this becomes part of trust. Customers, partners and internal teams expect reports to be updated in a reliable way. Skald BI helps organizations share finished Power BI reports through a secure branded portal, while data refresh remains part of the Power BI setup that keeps the reporting content up to date.
Use cases
See how different types of organisations use Skald BI to share Power BI securely with employees, customers and partners.
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Frequently asked questions
What is data refresh in Power BI?
Why is data refresh important?
Data refresh helps keep reports current, so users can make decisions based on newer information rather than outdated data.
Is data refresh the same as scheduled refresh?
No. Data refresh is the broader process of updating data. Scheduled refresh is one way to run that update automatically at set times.
What can cause data refresh problems?
Refresh problems can be caused by expired credentials, gateway issues, source system changes, data errors or incorrect settings.
How does data refresh relate to Skald BI?