The answer is that the dataset's defaultMode is set to Push, which does not support scheduled refresh. This is because a dataset configured with Push mode is designed exclusively to receive data through the Power BI REST API, meaning it cannot be refreshed on a schedule or via a gateway; any attempt to run a scheduled refresh will always fail, regardless of the data source or gateway configuration. On the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 exam, this concept tests your understanding of dataset modes and their refresh limitations—a common trap is assuming that all datasets in Premium workspaces support scheduled refreshes, but Push mode explicitly blocks it. To remember this, think of Push mode as “one-way only”: data flows in via API, never out for refresh. A simple mnemonic is “Push prevents refresh.”
PL-300 Deploy and maintain assets Practice Question
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of deploy and maintain assets. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A Power BI administrator reviews the JSON configuration for a dataset named SalesDataset. The dataset is deployed to a Premium capacity workspace. The data source is an on-premises SQL Server. The administrator notices that the dataset has never refreshed successfully. Based on the exhibit, what is the most likely cause of the refresh failure?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Clue: "never"
Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. True only if the statement has zero exceptions — be cautious of options that seem obvious but break down in edge cases.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The dataset's defaultMode is set to Push, which does not support scheduled refresh
Option C is correct because when a dataset's defaultMode is set to 'Push', it is designed to receive data only via the Push API and does not support scheduled refresh. Since the dataset has never refreshed successfully and the JSON configuration shows defaultMode as Push, the scheduled refresh will always fail regardless of the gateway or data source configuration.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The refresh schedule specifies a frequency of Weekly, but the time is in UTC and not adjusted for the local time zone
Why it's wrong here
Time zone mismatch would not cause a complete failure; it would just run at a different time.
✗
The dataset uses Integrated Security in the connection string, which is not supported for scheduled refresh
Why it's wrong here
Integrated Security can be used with a gateway if credentials are configured.
✓
The dataset's defaultMode is set to Push, which does not support scheduled refresh
Why this is correct
Push datasets cannot be refreshed; they must be updated via the Push API.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "most likely", "never" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The dataset is in a Premium capacity workspace, which does not support scheduled refresh for on-premises data sources
Why it's wrong here
Premium capacity supports scheduled refresh with a gateway.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often focus on connectivity issues like time zones or authentication, overlooking the fundamental dataset mode property that disables scheduled refresh entirely.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Power BI, datasets with defaultMode set to 'Push' are intended for real-time streaming scenarios where data is pushed via the REST API. These datasets cannot be refreshed on a schedule because they lack a backing data source connection for import; the only way to update data is through additional API pushes. This is distinct from 'Push' datasets that also support streaming, which still cannot use scheduled refresh.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Deploy and maintain assets — This question tests Deploy and maintain assets — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The dataset's defaultMode is set to Push, which does not support scheduled refresh — Option C is correct because when a dataset's defaultMode is set to 'Push', it is designed to receive data only via the Push API and does not support scheduled refresh. Since the dataset has never refreshed successfully and the JSON configuration shows defaultMode as Push, the scheduled refresh will always fail regardless of the gateway or data source configuration.
What should I do if I get this PL-300 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely", "never". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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