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How to Fix Power Automate Cannot Update SharePoint Required Fields

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to update a specific SharePoint list field (First feedback date) using Power Automate without having to re-supply other required fields (Assigned to, Audit type), which currently triggers an unintended secondary notification flow.

Product: Power Automate / SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Updating a single field in a SharePoint list that contains mandatory columns using a Power Automate flow.
Observed behavior: When the flow supplies the required fields again to save the item update, it inadvertently triggers another notification flow, creating a notification loop or unintended behavior.

Before you start

Review your SharePoint list settings to identify all required columns and check the exact trigger conditions of your existing Power Automate notification flows.

Solution 1Recommended

Seek Expert Assistance in the Power Automate Community

Since this involves complex flow-design behavior rather than standard SharePoint issues, posting in the dedicated community is the most effective way to find a tailored solution.

The Microsoft SharePoint support team does not specialize in in-depth flow behaviors or notification loops caused by required fields in Power Automate.

By consulting the Power Automate Community, you can get guidance directly from workflow experts who routinely handle SharePoint connector limitations.

Gather your flow details

Take clear screenshots of your current Power Automate flow steps, especially the 'Update item' action and any error messages.

Document your SharePoint list structure

Note down the exact column types and required-field settings for your list, including the 'Assigned to' and 'Audit type' fields.

Post in the Power Automate Community

Navigate to the official Microsoft Power Automate Community forums. Create a new post detailing your scenario, attaching the screenshots, and explaining how re-supplying required fields triggers your secondary notification flow.

Provide Comprehensive Information: Including your flow's trigger conditions in the community post will significantly speed up the troubleshooting process for the experts helping you.

Solution 2

Implement Trigger Conditions on the Secondary Flow

Modify the secondary notification flow so it ignores updates made by your primary Power Automate flow.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Power Automate require me to fill out SharePoint columns again?

When using the standard 'Update item' action in SharePoint, Power Automate requires you to provide values for all mandatory columns to successfully save the item, even if you only intend to update one specific field.

How can I prevent a SharePoint update from triggering another flow?

You can add trigger conditions to your flow's settings. This allows you to specify exact rules (such as checking if a specific field was changed) so the flow only runs when necessary, rather than triggering on every item modification.

Can I update a SharePoint list item without using the 'Update item' action?

Yes, advanced users often use the 'Send an HTTP request to SharePoint' action to interact with the SharePoint REST API. This method allows you to use a PATCH request to update only specific fields without needing to supply all required columns.

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