This post is a part of the PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Exam Prep Hub; and this topic falls under these sections:
Visualize and analyze the data (25–30%)
   --> Enhance reports for usability and storytelling
      --> Configure automatic page refresh

Below are 10 practice questions (with answers and explanations) for this topic of the exam.
There are also 2 practice tests for the PL-300 exam with 60 questions each (with answers) available on the hub.

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Practice Questions

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Question 1

You need a Power BI report page to automatically update visuals every 30 seconds without user interaction. Which requirement must be met?

A. The dataset must use Import mode
B. The report must use DirectQuery or a Live connection
C. The dataset must be scheduled for refresh every 30 seconds
D. The report must be published to Excel

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Automatic page refresh only works with DirectQuery or Live connections. Import mode datasets cannot support page-level automatic refresh.

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Question 2

Where do you enable automatic page refresh in Power BI Desktop?

A. Dataset settings
B. Model view
C. Page formatting pane
D. Query Editor

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Automatic page refresh is configured at the page level using the Format page pane in Power BI Desktop.

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Question 3

Which refresh option only updates visuals when underlying data changes?

A. Dataset refresh
B. Fixed interval refresh
C. Scheduled refresh
D. Change detection refresh

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
Change detection refresh uses a DAX measure to detect data changes and refresh visuals only when necessary.

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Question 4

A report uses Import mode and requires visuals to refresh automatically every minute. What should you do?

A. Enable automatic page refresh
B. Use change detection refresh
C. Switch the dataset to DirectQuery
D. Increase scheduled refresh frequency

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Automatic page refresh is not supported in Import mode. To enable it, the dataset must be converted to DirectQuery.

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Question 5

Which DAX component is required to configure change detection refresh?

A. Calculated column
B. Aggregation table
C. Measure
D. Hierarchy

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Change detection refresh relies on a DAX measure whose value changes when the underlying data changes.

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Question 6

What is the primary benefit of using change detection instead of a fixed refresh interval?

A. Faster dataset refresh
B. Reduced load on the data source
C. Works with Import mode
D. Eliminates the need for DirectQuery

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Change detection reduces unnecessary queries by refreshing visuals only when data changes, improving performance.

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Question 7

Which scenario is the best candidate for automatic page refresh?

A. Monthly financial reporting
B. Historical trend analysis
C. Executive scorecards reviewed quarterly
D. Real-time call center monitoring dashboard

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:
Automatic page refresh is designed for near real-time operational dashboards, such as call center or IoT monitoring.

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Question 8

Which factor limits how frequently automatic page refresh can run?

A. Visual type
B. Number of report pages
C. Power BI capacity and licensing
D. Dataset size

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Refresh frequency is governed by Power BI capacity, licensing (Pro vs Premium), and system performance limits.

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Question 9

What happens if you configure a very short refresh interval on a high-traffic report?

A. Power BI automatically switches to Import mode
B. Dataset refresh is triggered instead
C. Data source and performance may be negatively impacted
D. The report becomes read-only

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Short refresh intervals can overload the data source and degrade report performance, especially in shared environments.

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Question 10

Which statement about automatic page refresh is true?

A. It refreshes the entire dataset
B. It only works in Power BI Desktop
C. It refreshes visuals at the page level
D. It replaces scheduled dataset refresh

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Automatic page refresh operates at the page level, refreshing visuals without reloading the entire dataset.

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Exam Tip Summary

• Automatic page refresh = page-level, not dataset-level
• Requires DirectQuery or Live connection
• Supports fixed interval and change detection
• Best for real-time operational dashboards
• Overuse can impact performance

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