Quick Answer
The correct answer is to reduce the number of columns and rows retrieved by the report visuals. This works because DirectQuery sends native SQL queries to Azure SQL Database for every visual interaction, so limiting the data pulled—fewer columns and narrower row sets—directly reduces query payload and network latency without modifying the source schema. On the PL-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of DirectQuery optimization constraints, where candidates often mistakenly suggest indexing or aggregations on the source, which are off-limits per the prompt. A common trap is proposing to change the storage mode to Import, but that violates the “without changing the data source” rule. Remember the memory tip: “Trim the query, not the source”—focus on visual-level filters and column selection to shrink the query footprint.
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of deploy and maintain assets. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Your Power BI dataset uses DirectQuery to an Azure SQL Database. Users complain that the report is slow. You need to improve query performance without changing the data source. What should you do?
Reduce the number of columns and rows retrieved by the report visuals.
Less data means faster queries.
Add more visuals to the report to distribute the load.
Why wrong: More visuals send more queries.
Switch the dataset to Import mode.
Why wrong: This changes the data source mode, not DirectQuery.
Increase the scheduled refresh frequency.
Why wrong: Refresh frequency does not affect DirectQuery performance.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Reduce the number of columns and rows retrieved by the report visuals.
Option A is correct because reducing the number of columns and rows retrieved by report visuals directly minimizes the amount of data sent from Azure SQL Database to Power BI via DirectQuery. Since DirectQuery sends native queries to the source for each visual interaction, fewer columns and rows mean smaller, faster queries, which reduces overall latency without altering the underlying data source.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Reduce the number of columns and rows retrieved by the report visuals.
Why this is correct
Less data means faster queries.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Add more visuals to the report to distribute the load.
Why it's wrong here
More visuals send more queries.
Switch the dataset to Import mode.
Why it's wrong here
This changes the data source mode, not DirectQuery.
Increase the scheduled refresh frequency.
Why it's wrong here
Refresh frequency does not affect DirectQuery performance.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse DirectQuery with Import mode and assume that increasing refresh frequency or switching modes is a valid performance fix, when in fact the question explicitly prohibits changing the data source, and DirectQuery has no refresh schedule.
Detailed technical explanation
In DirectQuery, Power BI translates each visual into a SQL query sent to the Azure SQL Database, and the database returns only the aggregated result set. Reducing columns and rows effectively limits the SELECT clause and WHERE filters, which can reduce I/O and CPU on the database side. A real-world scenario is a large fact table with 100+ columns; trimming to only the 10 columns used in visuals can cut query execution time by over 50% because the database avoids scanning unnecessary data pages.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Deploy and maintain assets — This question tests Deploy and maintain assets — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Reduce the number of columns and rows retrieved by the report visuals. — Option A is correct because reducing the number of columns and rows retrieved by report visuals directly minimizes the amount of data sent from Azure SQL Database to Power BI via DirectQuery. Since DirectQuery sends native queries to the source for each visual interaction, fewer columns and rows mean smaller, faster queries, which reduces overall latency without altering the underlying data source.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This PL-300 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PL-300 exam.
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