SharePoint Document Issues

Fix SharePoint Metadata Columns Missing When Copying Files

Nimra Malik Oct 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users experience missing managed metadata column values, such as the LOC Files property, after transferring documents between different SharePoint site libraries.

How to Fix SharePoint Metadata Columns Missing When Copying Files Between Sites

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Copying or moving files equipped with managed metadata from one SharePoint site to another.
Observed behavior: SharePoint's built-in Copy and Move commands successfully transfer the files but fail to preserve and populate the managed metadata column values in the destination library.

Before you start

Ensure you have the correct permissions to create Power Automate flows in your Microsoft 365 environment, and verify that the destination SharePoint library contains the exact same managed metadata columns as the source.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Power Automate to Transfer Managed Metadata

Since SharePoint's default transfer commands do not retain managed metadata across sites, setting up a Power Automate flow is the recommended method to map and preserve these column values.

The native 'Copy to' and 'Move to' features in SharePoint only carry over fundamental file properties. For custom or managed metadata columns, a dedicated workflow must be created to extract the source properties and apply them to the newly created file in the destination.

Open Power Automate

Log into your Microsoft 365 account, click on the App Launcher, and select Power Automate from the list of available applications.

Create a New Flow

Click on 'Create' from the left sidebar. Choose 'Automated cloud flow' if you want the transfer to happen automatically upon file creation, or 'Instant cloud flow' to trigger the process manually for selected files.

Configure the File Trigger

Set the trigger based on your preference (e.g., 'For a selected file'). Specify your source SharePoint Site Address and the Library Name.

Retrieve and Create File Content

Add the 'Get file content' action for the source file. Next, add the 'Create file' action, pointing it to the destination SharePoint Site Address and Folder Path. Use dynamic content to populate the File Name and File Content.

Update File Properties to Map Metadata

Add the 'Update file properties' action. Select your destination site and library, and use the Item ID generated from the 'Create file' step. Finally, use the dynamic content menu to map your custom managed metadata columns (like LOC Files) from the source trigger to these destination fields.

Use Power Automate to Transfer Managed Metadata

Explore Community Templates: Building complex flows can be challenging. Search the Microsoft Power Automate Community forums for pre-built flow templates and detailed examples specifically designed for copying SharePoint metadata.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does SharePoint drop metadata when copying to another site?

SharePoint's native 'Copy to' and 'Move to' functions are designed primarily for moving the physical file and standard system properties (like creation date). They do not automatically map custom or managed metadata columns across different site collections, which requires manual entry or an automated workflow.

Can I use third-party migration tools to keep metadata intact?

Yes, specialized SharePoint migration solutions like the official SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) or third-party software like ShareGate are designed specifically to preserve complex metadata structures, permissions, and version history during bulk transfers.

Do I need a premium Power Automate license to copy SharePoint metadata?

No, standard SharePoint connectors in Power Automate are included in most Microsoft 365 business licenses. You can trigger flows, create files, and update file properties without needing a Premium license.

How do I ensure the managed metadata column is recognized in the destination?

Before transferring any files, you must manually ensure that an identical managed metadata column exists in the destination document library, or verify that both the source and destination sites are consuming the exact same Term Set from the global Term Store.

Document & File Issues