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How to Copy SharePoint List Attachments to Document Library using Power Automate

WPS Content Manager Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs a Power Automate flow to dynamically copy attachments from SharePoint list items into a specific document library upon item creation and subsequent updates.

How to Copy SharePoint List Attachments to a Document Library with Power Automate

Product: Microsoft Power Automate and SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Automating the transfer of attachments from a SharePoint list to a dedicated document library, while accounting for later modifications without generating duplicate files.
Observed behavior: Attachments added to SharePoint list items need to be extracted and saved as individual files in a document library seamlessly.

Before you start

Ensure you have permission to create Power Automate flows, as well as Contributor or Owner access to both the source SharePoint list and the destination document library.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a SharePoint-Triggered Power Automate Flow

Set up a flow that triggers whenever an item is created or modified to automatically retrieve attachments and save them to your target document library.

This automated flow captures attachments directly from the SharePoint list and moves them to the desired document library. It is crucial to add a duplicate-check step so that when an item is modified, existing files are not duplicated.

Configure the trigger

Create a new automated cloud flow in Power Automate and add the SharePoint trigger 'When an item is created or modified'. Select your Site Address and List Name.

Get list attachments

Add the 'Get attachments' action. Enter the same Site Address and List Name, and map the 'Id' dynamic content from your trigger to identify the specific item.

Retrieve attachment content

Add an 'Apply to each' control, using the output from the 'Get attachments' step. Inside the loop, add the 'Get attachment content' action, passing the 'Id' and the 'File identifier'.

Prevent duplicate files

Add a condition step to check if the file already exists in the document library (e.g., using 'Get file properties' and checking if the file name matches). If it does not exist, proceed to create it.

Create file in document library

Add the 'Create file' SharePoint action in the 'If no' (does not exist) branch. Select the destination Site Address and Folder Path. Use the 'DisplayName' for the File Name and the 'Attachment Content' for the File Content.

Create a SharePoint-Triggered Power Automate Flow

Best Practice: Test your flow with both a new item and a modified item to confirm your duplicate-check condition correctly bypasses existing files.

Solution 2

Consult the Power Automate Community for Complex Flows

If you are encountering errors with parallel branches, timing issues, or complex folder structures, leveraging community expertise is highly recommended.

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After Power Automate successfully moves your SharePoint attachments to a document library, you need a reliable suite to view, edit, and collaborate on those files. WPS Office is a robust, lightweight, and free alternative to Microsoft Office that perfectly handles all your document needs.

1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button for your operating system.
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3. Edit your SharePoint attachments: Open WPS Office and easily load the Word, Excel, or PDF attachments that your flow just transferred.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are attachments duplicating when I modify a SharePoint list item?

Because the flow uses the 'When an item is created or modified' trigger, it runs every time the item changes. If you don't include a condition to check if the file already exists in the destination library, the 'Create file' action will generate a new copy each time.

Can I copy attachments to a completely different SharePoint site?

Yes. In the 'Create file' action, you simply need to specify the different Site Address from the dropdown menu (or enter it as a custom value) and select the corresponding document library on that site.

Is there a file size limit when handling attachments in Power Automate?

Yes, Power Automate has default message size limits. Typically, the limit is around 100 MB per request, but this can be adjusted in the action settings depending on your license and specific connector constraints. Extremely large files may require chunking.

What permissions are required to run this flow successfully?

The user account under which the Power Automate flow runs must have at least 'Edit' permissions on the source SharePoint list to read the attachments, and 'Contribute' or 'Edit' permissions on the destination document library to create the files.

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