Resource / capacity
There wasn't enough memory to complete the operation
Power BI dataset refresh error: what it means and how to fix it.
What this means
The resource-governing command memory limit was exceeded (memory consumed vs. limit vs. database size).
How to fix it
- Reduce the refresh footprint with granular partition refresh.
- Move to a higher SKU.
- Check whether DbpropMsmdRequestMemoryLimit is set: it can only lower the ceiling below your SKU limit, never raise it above. Clearing it restores the full SKU limit.
Frequently asked questions
- What does the "There wasn't enough memory to complete the operation" error mean?
- The resource-governing command memory limit was exceeded (memory consumed vs. limit vs. database size).
- How do I fix it?
- Reduce the refresh footprint with granular partition refresh. Move to a higher SKU. Check whether DbpropMsmdRequestMemoryLimit is set: it can only lower the ceiling below your SKU limit, never raise it above. Clearing it restores the full SKU limit.
- Where does this Power BI refresh error appear?
- It appears in a Power BI semantic model's refresh history when a scheduled or on-demand refresh fails.
Related resource / capacity errors
Catch this automatically
RefreshRadar monitors every Power BI dataset refresh and emails you when one fails, with the likely cause and the fix, so you are not hearing about a broken refresh from your stakeholders first.