To ensure that column statistics in Power Query are based on the entire dataset, what action must you take?

To ensure that column statistics in Power Query reflect the entire dataset, it is essential to change the profiling status in the status bar to "entire dataset." By default, Power Query often displays statistics based on a sample of the data for performance reasons, especially with large datasets. When you adjust the profiling status to the entire dataset, it allows Power Query to perform calculations and show statistics based on all rows of data. This provides a complete view of the dataset's characteristics, such as minimum, maximum, average values, and distribution insights.

While other options may relate to data handling or visualization aspects, they do not specifically address the need to alter the profiling status for comprehensive statistics within Power Query. For instance, enabling column profiling from the View ribbon allows access to profiling features but without ensuring it covers the entire dataset unless explicitly set in the status bar. Likewise, changing the connection type to DirectQuery or loading data into the data model pertains to data access methods rather than adjusting how Power Query presents statistical data.