Skip to main content
Community site session details

Community site session details

Session Id : DAQvFzeSKwdc8IgQeK2hPD
Power Automate - Building Flows
Answered

Power Automate SharePoint Online Move File vs Copy File Behavior

Like (0) ShareShare
ReportReport
Posted on 16 Jun 2022 19:51:12 by 12

I have a workflow A that moves a SharePoint Online document from library 1 to library 2 that runs successfully.

I have a workflow B that triggers when a file is created or modified (properties only) in library 2.

Workflow B will not see that a file is created or modified in libarary 2 when Move file is used. The workflow will not fire at all.

Workflow B WILL see that a file is created or modified in library 2 when Copy file is used.

What is needed to make a workflow see that a file is created or modified when Move File is used?

  • Verified answer
    sec Profile Picture
    12 on 22 Jun 2022 at 15:02:43
    Re: Power Automate SharePoint Online Move File vs Copy File Behavior

    Workaround used for this issue (for now) is to use Copy file instead of Move file then delete the file in the source.

  • sec Profile Picture
    12 on 16 Jun 2022 at 22:25:32
    Re: Power Automate SharePoint Online Move File vs Copy File Behavior

    Thank you for your post. Your answer is helpful in directing me where to research where the problem may be (potentially metadata). 

    My need is to move from one library to another, not to a folder within a library, so I would like to keep this open for other suggestions.

    I have thought of creating a new column in the destination library with NEW metadata created by the Move Workflow A that may force the Workflow B trigger to see it...could even set it in the trigger condition to specifically look for it - stab in the dark but will give that a go.

    Move File should work - should not have to make it work

  • MarvinBangert Profile Picture
    1,922 Most Valuable Professional on 16 Jun 2022 at 20:35:06
    Re: Power Automate SharePoint Online Move File vs Copy File Behavior

    Hi @sec 

    I guess somewhere back in the SharePoint or Power Automate backend, there is this difference with some metadata (or anything else), that actually triggers the flow. It could be, if you are creating a new file, that there are is some webhook triggered and Power Automate checks for these messages (of the last 5 minutes). Maybe it's something within Power Automate, that checks some metadata - we cannot see / it's definitely not the "created" or "modified" field we can see - if there are new or modified files, unfortunately I cannot 100% answer this, maybe someone else can.

    But to answer your question: If you are moving a file to a folder within the new library, it also triggers the flow using "When a file is created or modified (properties only)".

     

    Does this help you? Otherwise please give me some more information.

    Best regards
    Marvin

    If you like this post, give a Thumbs up. If it solved your request, Mark it as a Solution to enable other users to find it.

    Blog: Cloudkumpel

Under review

Thank you for your reply! To ensure a great experience for everyone, your content is awaiting approval by our Community Managers. Please check back later.

Helpful resources

Quick Links

Announcing our 2025 Season 2 Super Users!

A new season of Super Users has arrived, and we are so grateful for…

Paul Stork – Community Spotlight

We are honored to recognize Paul Stork as our July 2025 Community…

Congratulations to the June Top 10 Community Leaders!

These are the community rock stars!

Leaderboard > Power Automate

#1
Michael E. Gernaey Profile Picture

Michael E. Gernaey 497 Super User 2025 Season 2

#2
David_MA Profile Picture

David_MA 436 Super User 2025 Season 2

#3
Riyaz_riz11 Profile Picture

Riyaz_riz11 244 Super User 2025 Season 2