SharePoint Document Issues

How to Fix SharePoint Errors When Copying Files Between Sites

John Wilson Oct 14, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to copy files between SharePoint sites using the native Copy To command or Power Automate, despite File Explorer working successfully.

How to Fix SharePoint Errors When Copying Files Between Sites

Product: SharePoint and Power Automate
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Copying a document from one SharePoint site to a different destination site.
Observed behavior: The file copy operation fails in both SharePoint and Power Automate. This issue persists even when ruling out factors like Excel workbook password protection or hidden sheets. However, Windows File Explorer successfully copies the same file.

Before you start

Before proceeding with advanced troubleshooting, ensure that you have sufficient site permissions on both the source and destination SharePoint sites to perform file operations.

Solution 1Recommended

Check Site Permissions and File Name Conflicts

Verify that there are no naming conflicts at the destination library and that you have the correct site permissions.

Often, basic permission constraints or hidden file name conflicts cause silent failures during the file copy process in SharePoint.

Inspect Destination Library

Navigate to the destination SharePoint document library where you intend to copy the file.

Check for Duplicate Files

Look for a file with the exact same name. Normally, SharePoint prompts you to replace it or keep both, but unexpected conflicts can sometimes cause silent server errors.

Verify Site Permissions

Click the 'Settings' gear icon, go to 'Site permissions', and confirm you have 'Edit' or 'Full Control' access on both the source and destination libraries.

Check Site Permissions and File Name Conflicts

Solution 2

Submit a Microsoft 365 Support Ticket

If the issue persists across both SharePoint and Power Automate, an administrator must escalate the issue to Microsoft Support with diagnostic logs.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless Local Document Management

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1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install the Suite: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software on your device.
3. Open Your Files: Easily open, edit, and save your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without dealing with SharePoint server errors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does File Explorer copy files successfully when SharePoint fails?

File Explorer relies on different protocols (such as WebDAV or the local OneDrive sync client) to move files locally before syncing them to the cloud. This bypasses the direct server-side mechanisms that the native SharePoint 'Copy To' command relies on, which is why local copying might succeed while cloud copying fails.

Can a password-protected Excel file cause SharePoint copy errors?

Generally, password protection or hidden sheets in an Excel workbook do not prevent basic file copying in SharePoint. While they can affect web previews or co-authoring features, the file should still copy normally as a binary object.

How do I generate a HAR log for Microsoft support?

To generate a HAR log, open your web browser and press F12 to access Developer Tools. Navigate to the 'Network' tab, reproduce the file copy error in SharePoint, right-click the network activity list, and select 'Save all as HAR with content' or 'Export HAR'.

Document & File Issues