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For a local SQL Server, connect in Power BI Desktop with Get data > SQL Server, then choose Import or DirectQuery. If a published report needs to reach that on-premises database from the Power BI service, configure an on-premises data gateway. For Aiven, first identify the database engine: PostgreSQL, MySQL, or another product may require a different connector and connection setup, and the available Aiven documentation does not establish a Power BI-specific workflow.
Connect Power BI Desktop to a local SQL Server
- In Power BI Desktop, select Get data > SQL Server.
- Enter the SQL Server name and, if needed, the database name. Choose Import or DirectQuery when prompted, if the selected connection supports both.
- Authenticate with an account that has access to the database, then connect and build the model or report.
Use the same server and database names later in the gateway configuration. Power BI uses those names to match a published model to its gateway data source; a difference such as a hostname versus an IP address, or a missing SQL Server instance name, can prevent the match. See Microsoft’s on-premises SQL Server tutorial and SQL Server gateway guidance.
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Choose Import or DirectQuery
| Mode | How it works | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Import | Loads a copy of the source data into the Power BI model. | Source changes appear only after the model is refreshed. Use it when imported data is suitable and the refresh cadence meets your needs. |
| DirectQuery | Queries the source as report interactions occur. | Interactive performance depends on the source and workload; DirectQuery has performance and feature limitations. |
These are general mode differences, not a guarantee that every connector supports every capability. Check the selected connector’s support and limitations in Microsoft’s DirectQuery documentation.
Make an on-premises SQL Server available to the Power BI service
A Desktop connection can work from your computer while the Power BI service still cannot reach the database on your local network. For the documented on-premises SQL Server scenario, use an on-premises data gateway for service access and refresh.
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- Install or use an on-premises data gateway on a machine that can reach the SQL Server.
- In the Power BI service, register a SQL Server data source on the gateway and enter the server and database names exactly as they were entered in Desktop.
- Set credentials for the gateway data source, then publish the model and map it to that data source.
- If the model uses Import and you need recurring updates, configure scheduled refresh. Check gateway status and refresh history if a refresh fails.
Microsoft’s SQL Server tutorial describes publishing, gateway setup, credentials, and refresh. Its SQL Server data source guidance explains the importance of matching server and database entries. Keep the gateway on a supported version and follow Microsoft’s gateway maintenance guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What you need to know before connecting an Aiven database
“Aiven database” does not identify a single engine. Confirm the exact Aiven service—such as PostgreSQL or MySQL—before selecting a Power BI connector or applying engine-specific settings. The connection information shown for that service in the Aiven Console is the starting point; it typically includes the host, port, database, username, and credentials required by the client.
Rank #2
The reviewed Aiven documentation explains client connections and TLS for PostgreSQL and MySQL, but does not provide a Power BI-specific procedure. It therefore does not establish which Power BI connector or driver to use for a particular Aiven service, or what that route requires for Desktop, published-model credentials, refresh, and gateway access. Check the connector’s current Power BI service requirements for the confirmed engine before relying on a Desktop connection for a published model.
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Aiven’s PostgreSQL connection guide shows service connection details and PostgreSQL client examples. Its examples use sslmode=require, which encrypts traffic but does not verify the server certificate. If the client and chosen connector support certificate verification, Aiven documents using the project’s CA certificate with verify-ca or verify-full. See Aiven’s TLS/SSL certificate guidance for the verification distinction.
Aiven MySQL and TLS
For MySQL, use the host, port, database, user, and password shown for the MySQL service in the Aiven Console. Aiven’s MySQL Workbench connection guide recommends SSL and describes client certificate-verification settings. Do not transfer PostgreSQL connection parameters or TLS options to MySQL without confirming that the Power BI connector supports them.
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Diagnose common connection problems
- Desktop connects, but service refresh fails: For an on-premises SQL Server, check that the gateway is online, the published model is mapped to the intended gateway data source, and its credentials are valid.
- Gateway data source does not match: Compare server and database names in Desktop with the gateway entry character for character, including the instance name or hostname format.
- Aiven connection details are unclear: Confirm the Aiven engine and copy that service’s own connection values from the Console; do not assume a SQL Server connector applies.
- TLS connection or verification fails: Check the TLS options supported by the chosen client or connector and, where certificate verification is configured, use the CA certificate and mode appropriate to that engine.
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