Update a Sharepoint list with several multi choice columns using Power Automate

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Posted on by AH-02011058-0

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I am writing a Flow to update a Sharepoint list with some MultiChoice columns.

The trigger for the Flow is an insert or update to another Sharepoint list which has the same MultiChoice columns.

When I include the MultiChoice columns in the Flow, it encases the Create Item action inside an Apply to each. Then I get an error message

The action 'Create_item' is nested in a foreach scope of multiple levels. Referencing repetition actions from outside the scope is supported only when there are no multiple levels of nesting.'.'.

How do I update the list with two MultiChoice columns?

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Haque 3,653 on at

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Hi @AH-02011058-0,

The "Create item" action being automatically placed inside an "Apply to each" loop happens because Power Automate detects the multi-choice column as an array, so it assumes you want to process each choice individually. This can lead to nested loops and the error about multiple levels of nesting when referencing repetition actions outside those loops.

To avoid this error,

use a Compose or Select action before the Create/Update action to transform the multi-choice array into the correct format expected by SharePoint (an array of strings).

Then, pass the output of that Compose/Select action into the multi-choice field in the Create/Update item action.

I am sure some clues I tried to give. If these clues help to resolve the issue brought you by here, please don't forget to check the box Does this answer your question? At the same time, I am pretty sure you have liked the response!

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Kalathiya 2,456 Super User 2026 Season 1 on at

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Hello @AH-02011058-0,

This usually happens because SharePoint MultiChoice columns return an array, and Power Automate automatically adds nested Apply to each loops when you use the dynamic content directly.

Instead, you can use an Append to array variable approach before the Create item action.
- Initialize the variable with Array Type
- Then after add append to array variable select the your vairable name that we have previous stage and then pass the multiple select choice value in below format.

{ Value: 'Select multiple choice value and pass it here' }

- Action will automatically sit inside the Apply to each loop for the MultiChoice column.
- Then SharePoint Create item action, directly use the Array variable.

Reference Link:

https://spknowledge.com/2020/09/04/update-multichoice-field-using-power-automate/

https://community.powerplatform.com/forums/thread/details/?threadid=550a2d44-ef0e-40ab-9016-391036ab8380

https://wonderlaura.com/2020/09/01/flow-update-multi-select-column/

If this response resolves your issue, please mark it as the Verified Answer so it can help other community members as well.

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📩 Need more help? Just mention @Kalathiya and I’ll be happy to assist.

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Nanit Khanna 68 on at

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Hi,

This happens because SharePoint multi-choice columns return arrays, so Power Automate automatically adds nested “Apply to each” loops, which causes the multiple-level foreach error.

Correct approach:
• Do not loop through each choice manually
• Pass the entire array directly to the SharePoint multi-choice field

Recommended solution:
• Use a “Select” action to format the values as:

{ "Value": "Choice1" }

• Then in Create item / Update item:

Click “Switch to input entire array”

Pass the Select action output directly

This avoids nested Apply to each errors and is the Microsoft-recommended pattern for multi-select SharePoint choice columns.

Please ✅ Does this answer your question if my post helped you solve your issue. This will help others find it more readily. It also closes the item.

If the content was useful in other ways, please consider answering Yes to Was this reply helpful? or give it a Like!

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Vish WR 3,748 on at

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@Haque

The root cause is that SharePoint MultiChoice columns return an array, so Power Automate auto-wraps things in "Apply to each" loops. When you have two MultiChoice columns, you end up with nested loops — and that's exactly what's causing your error.

The cleanest fix is what @Nanit Khanna mentioned: use a Select action to format each MultiChoice column's values like this:

{ "Value": "your choice value here" }

Then in your Create/Update item action, click "Switch to input entire array" and pass the Select output directly. Do this for each MultiChoice column separately, and you completely avoid the nested loop issue.

The array variable approach (@Kalathiya suggestion) also works, but the Select action method is simpler and Microsoft's recommended pattern for this scenario.

Vishnu WR

LinkedIn - My Tech Space

Please ✅ Does this answer your question if my post helped you solve your issue. This will help others find it more readily. It also closes the item. If the content was useful in other ways, please consider answering Yes to Was this reply helpful? or give it a Like ♥

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AH-02011058-0 169 on at

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Thanks everyone.

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