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How to Save Microsoft Forms Uploads in Folders by Respondent

Rana Garcia Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to automatically organize files uploaded via Microsoft Forms into distinct folders based on the respondent's identity.

How to Save Microsoft Forms Uploads in Folders by Respondent

Product: Microsoft Forms
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Collecting documents or media through a form and needing an efficient way to sort these submissions by the person who submitted them, rather than by the specific question.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Forms defaults to saving all uploaded files into a single directory grouped by the question, with no built-in setting to create individualized respondent folders.

Before you start

Ensure you have access to Microsoft Power Automate and possess the necessary read/write permissions for the OneDrive or SharePoint destination where you plan to create the respondent folders.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Power Automate to Create Folders and Move Files

Since Microsoft Forms lacks native respondent-based folder settings, you can build a Power Automate flow to detect new submissions, create a specific folder for the user, and move the uploaded files there.

This workaround requires a basic understanding of Power Automate triggers and dynamic content. By parsing the JSON data from the file upload, you can automate the entire sorting process.

Create a New Flow

Log into Microsoft Power Automate, navigate to 'My flows', and select 'New flow' > 'Automated cloud flow'.

Set the Trigger and Get Response Details

Choose the trigger 'When a new response is submitted' and select your specific Microsoft Form. Next, add the 'Get response details' action, matching the Form ID and Response ID.

Create a Respondent Folder

Add a new action 'Create new folder' (for OneDrive or SharePoint). Use dynamic content, such as the 'Responders Email' or 'Name', to define the folder path dynamically.

Parse and Move the File

Use the 'Parse JSON' action on the file upload field. Add an 'Apply to each' control, then include the 'Move file' or 'Copy file' action to transfer the uploaded file from its default location to the newly created respondent folder.

Privacy and Permissions: Ensure that the target directory where the respondent folders are being created complies with your organization's data privacy policies and sharing permissions.

Solution 2

Submit a Feature Request to Microsoft

If you prefer a native, out-of-the-box solution, submitting or voting on a feature request helps Microsoft prioritize updating the Forms architecture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Microsoft Forms store uploaded files by default?

For personal Microsoft accounts, uploads are saved to your OneDrive under 'Apps' > 'Microsoft Forms'. For business or school accounts tied to a group, they are saved in a dedicated folder within the associated SharePoint site's default document library, grouped strictly by the question.

Can I change the default upload folder location directly in Microsoft Forms?

No, Microsoft Forms does not currently provide any internal settings to modify the default destination folder or the routing structure for file uploads.

Does using Power Automate for file sorting require an extra paid subscription?

Basic Power Automate capabilities are included with most Microsoft 365 business and enterprise plans. However, if your automation involves premium connectors or exceeds standard execution limits, a standalone Power Automate license may be required.

Why is my Power Automate flow failing to move the uploaded files?

Common causes include incorrect JSON parsing of the file object, insufficient permissions in the target OneDrive or SharePoint directory, or the flow attempting to move files before they have fully synced to the default Forms folder.

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