Fix Power Automate Get Files OData Filter Returning No SharePoint Files
Question details
The user is unable to retrieve files from a SharePoint document library because the OData filter in the Power Automate Get Files action yields no results when querying a custom date column.
- Product
- Power Automate
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Filtering a SharePoint document library based on a custom date column using the 'Get Files (properties only)' action in a Power Automate flow.
- Observed behavior
- The flow runs successfully but the Get Files action returns an empty array, failing to match any existing SharePoint files.
Ensure you have the appropriate permissions to view the SharePoint document library settings and edit the Power Automate flow.
Use the SharePoint Internal Column Name
OData filters in Power Automate require the SharePoint internal column name rather than the display name visible in the library.
When a custom column is created in SharePoint, spaces and special characters are converted into encoded formats (like _x0020_ for spaces). The OData filter query will fail silently and return zero results if the display name is used instead of this internal name.
Navigate to your SharePoint document library. Click the Gear icon in the top right corner and select 'Library settings', then click 'More library settings'.
Scroll down to the 'Columns' section and click on the custom date column you are trying to filter by.
Look at the URL in your browser's address bar. At the very end of the URL, locate the text after 'Field='. This text is the internal column name.
Open your Power Automate flow, expand the 'Get files (properties only)' action, and replace the display name in the Filter Query field with the exact internal name you found (e.g., use FileLeafRef instead of Name for file names).
Format the Date Value Correctly
Ensure the date value being passed into the OData filter is wrapped in single quotes and formatted properly.
Switch to WPS Office for a Streamlined Document Experience
While Power Automate and SharePoint are designed for managing complex enterprise workflows, you still need a reliable suite to edit the documents themselves. WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office for creating, editing, and saving your files.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded file and follow the quick installation prompts to set up the suite.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Microsoft Office files without losing any formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my OData filter work with default columns but fail on custom ones?
Default columns often have identical internal and display names, whereas custom columns in SharePoint almost always differ if they contain spaces or special characters. Power Automate strictly requires the internal name for backend queries.
What does FileLeafRef mean in a Power Automate filter?
FileLeafRef is the technical internal SharePoint name for a document's filename, including its file extension (e.g., document.docx). When filtering files by name in the 'Get files' action, you must use FileLeafRef instead of 'Name'.
Where can I get additional help for complex Power Automate queries?
If verifying the internal column name does not resolve your issue, you can post a screenshot of your flow setup and filter query in the official Microsoft Power Automate Community forums, where specialists can provide advanced syntax troubleshooting.
