How to Reset Attachments on Recurring Daily Tasks in Microsoft Planner
Question details
The user wants to know how to automatically remove or reset an attachment when a recurring daily task is completed and regenerates for the next day.

- Product
- Microsoft Planner
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing daily routines or recurring tasks where the attached files or proof of work need to be refreshed or cleared every single day.
- Observed behavior
- When a recurring daily task is completed in Microsoft Planner, the newly generated task for the next day retains the attachments from the previous occurrence instead of starting with a blank slate.
Verify that your task is configured as a recurring task and note that Microsoft Planner currently copies all data, including attachments, to the next occurrence by design.
Manually Remove Attachments Before Completing the Task
Since Microsoft Planner lacks an automatic attachment reset feature, the most straightforward approach is to manually delete the file from the task card.
Planner treats a recurring task as a duplication of the previous task's state. To prevent old attachments from carrying over to the next day's task, you must remove them manually before checking the task off.
Click on the specific daily recurring task in your Planner board to open the task details window.
Scroll down to the 'Attachments' section where the current files or links are displayed.
Click the ellipsis (...) or the 'X' icon next to the attachment's name and select 'Remove' to delete it from the task.
Once the attachment is cleared, click the checkmark to complete the task. The newly generated task for the following day will now appear without the old attachment.

Use the 'Copy Task' Method Instead of Built-in Recurrence
Create a master template task and duplicate it daily to maintain strict control over what data, including attachments, gets carried over.
Organize Your Daily Workflows Customly with WPS Office
While Microsoft Planner is a dedicated task management tool, its rigid recurring rules can be limiting. By using WPS Office Spreadsheets, you can build highly customizable daily task trackers where you dictate exactly how data, attachments, and links behave. WPS Office is a robust, free alternative to Microsoft Office that meets all your productivity needs.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the free suite, and follow the simple installation prompts.
- 2. Open a Task Tracker Template: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, access the built-in Template library, and search for 'Task Tracker' or 'Daily To-Do List'.
- 3. Customize Your Tracking: Modify columns to include task statuses, dates, and direct file hyperlinks. You can easily clear out yesterday's rows without battling software limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why do attachments carry over on recurring tasks in Microsoft Planner?
By design, Microsoft Planner generates the next instance of a recurring task by duplicating the exact state of the current task at the time of completion. This includes carrying over checklists, descriptions, and attachments.
Can I use Power Automate to clear attachments on a daily task?
Yes, advanced users can create a flow in Microsoft Power Automate that triggers when a specific Planner task is marked complete, automatically removing attached files or creating a fresh task. However, this requires familiarity with building custom flows.
Does removing an attachment from Planner delete the actual file?
If the file was uploaded directly to Planner, it is stored in the connected SharePoint document library. Removing it from the task card removes the link, but the file remains in your SharePoint folder until manually deleted there.




