Power Automate Desktop - Move File(s) Action

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Posted on by Kaif_Siddique

2,108 Super User 2024 Season 1

Hi,

I was exploring the Move File(s) Action to move files from one folder to another, and observed that we have Select Folder property in File(s) to move parameter. I tried to copy the data from source to destination using browse folder but it did not work and gave me error "file to move not found". Later I searched and came to know that we can use "Get files in folder" action which is used to populate a variable with a list of files. Then i was able to move files easily from one folder to another by using "Get files in folder" action .

Now, i am not sure how to use the Select Folder property in "File(s) to move" parameter to move multiple files from a folder as it depends on "Get files in folder" action. Please give an example to understand and refer the screenshot for more context.

Thank you.

Regards
Kaif Siddique

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Power Automate Desktop

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ryule 929 Super User 2024 Season 1 on at

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I don't think there is a proper way to use it, other than to save you a little bit of typing. As you mentioned, you need to supply a file or list of files to that input, so putting just a folder there gains you nothing.

In my opinion, Microsoft could remove that to clear any confusion. I do understand why they want you to supply it with a file or list of files, as you can filter and do other things with that action....but yeah, this definitely causes some confusion, and they could probably make it a little more clearer that you can not just put a folder there.

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XRQ57 206 on at

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Hi
I think Move files is easier if you don't need to use a variable.
I made a test.
3 files in folder A
I moved them in folder B like this.
C:\Users\XXXXX\Documents\Test deplacement fichier\A\test*.txt

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Kaif_Siddique 2,108 Super User 2024 Season 1 on at

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yes. that's my point

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Kaif_Siddique 2,108 Super User 2024 Season 1 on at

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Appreciate your effort for preparing and sharing the example.

But my query was more towards fetching all the files using "browser folder" without using any variable/like method(*.txt,*.xlsx etc.).

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VJR 7,635 on at

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Hi @Kaif_Siddique

The Folder button is just to navigate to the right folder while designing your PAD Flow.

Since this action does not accept a folder you need to suffix the above selected path with one or more file(s). If this is not done you will see the "File to move not found" error.

This button can be handy if you have a static path that needs to be browsed from your computer (if not typed).

But for dynamic paths you will need to use either a direct variable or the one coming from "Get files in Folder" like you said.

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