OneDrive File Issues

How to Move Existing Files Between OneDrive Accounts Using Power Automate

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to move existing files from one OneDrive account to another using Power Automate, but the current setup only triggers for newly created files.

How to Move Existing Files Between OneDrive Accounts Using Power Automate

Product: Power Automate and OneDrive
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Automating the migration of an existing batch of files between two separate OneDrive accounts without relying on new file creation triggers.
Observed behavior: The standard flow trigger only recognizes newly created files and ignores existing ones. Additionally, configuring multiple distinct account connections in a single flow is challenging.

Before you start

Ensure you have the login credentials for both the source and destination OneDrive accounts, and verify that the destination account has sufficient storage space to accommodate the transferred files.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a Scheduled Flow with a Recurrence Trigger

Use a scheduled flow to list all existing files in the source folder, loop through them, and copy each to the destination account using separate connections.

By default, standard file triggers in Power Automate only fire for new events. To process files that already exist in a folder, you must use a Recurrence trigger combined with a 'List files in folder' action.

It is highly recommended to perform a copy-only test first. Do not add a deletion step until you have fully verified that all files are transferred successfully.

Set up a Recurrence trigger

Open Power Automate, create a new 'Scheduled cloud flow', and set up a 'Recurrence' trigger to determine when the flow should run (or trigger it manually for a one-time move).

List existing files

Add a new step and search for the OneDrive 'List files in folder' action. Select the source folder containing the files you want to move.

Loop through the files

Add an 'Apply to each' control. Select the dynamic content 'value' from the previous 'List files in folder' step to loop through every file found.

Add a separate destination connection

Inside the loop, add a 'Copy file' action. Click the three dots (More commands) on the 'Copy file' action block, select 'Add new connection', and sign in with the credentials of your destination OneDrive account.

Configure the Copy and Delete actions

Map the file identifier to the destination folder. Run a test to ensure files are copied correctly. Once verified, you can safely append a 'Delete file' action connected to the source account at the end of the loop.

Safeguard Your Data: Always test the flow without the 'Delete file' step first. Verify permissions, file integrity, and folder structure in the destination account before enabling deletion from the source.

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Manage Cloud Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office

While setting up Power Automate for file transfers, you still need a reliable tool to view and edit your OneDrive documents. WPS Office is a lightweight, fully compatible office suite that directly integrates with major cloud storage services, allowing you to access files from any account without complex automation.

1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free version of WPS Office on your device.
2. Connect to Cloud Storage: Open WPS Office, navigate to the 'Open' tab on the left panel, and select 'Cloud Storage'.
3. Access OneDrive Accounts: Log in with your OneDrive credentials. You can easily open, edit, and save files directly to your cloud without manual downloading.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the 'When a file is created' trigger work for existing files?

The default file creation trigger in Power Automate acts as an event listener. It only monitors the folder for new actions that occur after the flow is turned on, meaning it completely ignores files that were already resting in the folder.

How do I configure two separate OneDrive accounts in a single Power Automate flow?

You can manage multiple connections by clicking the three dots (options menu) on any specific action block (like 'Copy file' or 'Create file'). Select 'Add new connection' from the dropdown and sign in with the alternate account's credentials. This binds that specific action to the second account.

Can I move folders dynamically instead of just files?

Moving entire folders dynamically requires a more complex flow. The basic 'List files in folder' action only retrieves file metadata. To move folders, you must use actions that list folder structures and recreate them in the destination before copying the files within.

Document & File Issues