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Fix OpenApiOperationParameterValidationFailed Error for SharePoint Date Closed in Power Automate

Camila Milosovich Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an OpenApiOperationParameterValidationFailed error when automatically recording a closed date and time in SharePoint using a Power Automate flow.

Fix OpenApiOperationParameterValidationFailed Error for SharePoint Date Closed in Power Automate

Product: Power Automate
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting a SharePoint 'Date Closed' field automatically when a status column changes to 'Closed'.
Observed behavior: The Power Automate flow fails with an OpenApiOperationParameterValidationFailed error because the utcNow() expression is passed in an incompatible format for the SharePoint column.

Before you start

Verify the exact data type of your 'Date Closed' column in SharePoint (e.g., Date and Time vs. Single line of text) before modifying your Power Automate expressions.

Solution 1Recommended

Format the utcNow() Expression and Seek Community Support

Resolve the parameter validation failure by ensuring the date format matches the SharePoint column requirements, and consult the Power Automate community for advanced troubleshooting.

SharePoint date fields require a very specific ISO 8601 date format. When you pass the standard utcNow() output directly into an update action, it often triggers a parameter validation error. Adjusting the format or seeking tailored advice from the community forum are the best paths to resolution.

Check the SharePoint Column Type

Navigate to your SharePoint list, click the gear icon for 'List settings', and confirm whether your 'Date Closed' column is configured as 'Date and Time' or 'Single line of text'.

Format utcNow() in Power Automate

In your Power Automate flow, replace the standard utcNow() dynamic content with an expression. Click into the date field, select 'Expression', and type formatDateTime(utcNow(), 'yyyy-MM-ddTHH:mm:ssZ') to match SharePoint's expected format.

Gather Error Details

If the flow continues to fail, open the failed flow run. Copy the exact OpenApiOperationParameterValidationFailed error message, your trigger configuration, and note the SharePoint column types.

Post to the Power Automate Community

Visit the Microsoft Power Automate Community website. Create a new topic in the forums, pasting your exact error, column setup, and a screenshot of the action where utcNow() is used to get guidance from specialists.

Format the utcNow() Expression and Seek Community Support

Required Troubleshooting Information: Always include screenshots of your specific flow actions when asking for help in the community, as the visual context of the expression placement is crucial for diagnosing validation errors.

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While Power Automate and SharePoint handle complex cloud workflows, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative for everyday document and spreadsheet tasks. Easily analyze exported SharePoint lists without the heavy subscription costs of Microsoft 365.

1. Download the Software: Go to the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get the OpenApiOperationParameterValidationFailed error in Power Automate?

This error occurs when the data passed to a specific action does not match the expected format or type defined by the connector. For SharePoint date columns, this usually means the `utcNow()` output doesn't match the required ISO 8601 string format.

How do I correctly format the current date for a SharePoint list in Power Automate?

You can use the expression `formatDateTime(utcNow(), 'yyyy-MM-dd')` if you only need the date, or `formatDateTime(utcNow(), 'yyyy-MM-ddTHH:mm:ssZ')` if your SharePoint column is configured to require both date and time.

Where is the best place to get help with complex Power Automate expressions?

The official Microsoft Power Automate Community forums are the most effective place to get troubleshooting help. When posting, provide your trigger configuration, column data types, and the exact error message for the best results.

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