Optimizing SQL Server Performance for Power BI

Proposed session for SQLBits 2026

TL; DR

Power BI can often place unwanted load on SQL Server. There are a number of things you can optimize Power BI refreshes on the SQL Side. There are also unique challenges with DirectQuery mode for PBI.

Session Details

One of the most common backends for Power BI is SQL server. Unfortunately, folks can struggle working to get the two to work together quickly and efficiently. DirectQuery, in particular, can be tricky to tune.

In this session we'll cover the unique workloads of Power BI and how you can tune SQL Server to support them. We'll also cover Power BI features like query folding, which allows Power BI to make use of your work.

3 things you'll get out of this session

Understand the types of loads Power BI produces Understand how to optimize SLQ Server for Power BI Understand the unique challenges of DirectQuery mode.