Power Automate allows seamless integration with OneDrive to automate file-related tasks like uploading, moving, deleting, and sharing files. However, sometimes OneDrive actions fail, causing flow execution issues.
This guide will cover:
Common causes of OneDrive action failures
Step-by-step troubleshooting and solutions
Best practices to prevent OneDrive issues in Power Automate
Step 1: Identifying the OneDrive Action Failure
1.1. Check the Flow Run History
- Open Power Automate → Go to My Flows.
- Select the failing flow → Open Run History.
- Look for the OneDrive action that failed and check the error message.
Step 2: Fixing Common OneDrive Action Failures
2.1. Authentication or Permission Issues
Problem: Power Automate cannot authenticate with OneDrive due to expired credentials or missing permissions.
Solution:
- Reconnect the OneDrive connector:
- Go to Data → Connections.
- Find OneDrive for Business → Click Reconnect.
- Ensure the user has Read/Write access to the required OneDrive folders.
- If using a shared OneDrive folder, ensure the account has correct permissions.
Tip: Use a service account with consistent access to avoid authentication issues.
2.2. File Not Found Error
Problem: The file referenced in the flow does not exist or was moved/deleted.
Solution:
- Verify the file path exists in OneDrive.
- If using a dynamic file name, ensure it is retrieved correctly from the previous action.
- Add a “Condition” action to check if the file exists before proceeding.
Example Fix:
Use “List files in folder” action to ensure the file exists before performing further actions.
2.3. File Upload Failed
Problem: The flow is unable to upload a file to OneDrive due to size restrictions or connection issues.
Solution:
- Ensure the file size does not exceed 250 GB (OneDrive’s max file size limit).
- If handling large files, use chunked uploads instead of direct uploads.
- Check OneDrive storage limits to ensure sufficient space.
Tip: Compress large files before uploading or use SharePoint document libraries for better performance.
2.4. Invalid File Format
Problem: The file being processed is not in a supported format.
Solution:
- Ensure the file format is supported by OneDrive and Power Automate.
- If converting file formats (e.g.,
.txtto.pdf), ensure proper conversion steps are followed. - Add a “Condition” action to check file format before processing.
Tip: Use the “Get file properties” action to verify file types dynamically.
2.5. File Locked by Another Process
Problem: The file is locked by another user or process, preventing modifications.
Solution:
- Ensure no other users or applications are editing the file.
- If multiple users are accessing the file, add a delay before trying again.
- Consider using a copy of the file instead of modifying the original.
Example Fix:
Use “Get file metadata” to check if the file is locked before performing actions.
2.6. Invalid File Path or Folder Name
Problem: The flow references an invalid or incorrect file path.
Solution:
- Ensure the file path is correct and exists in OneDrive.
- Avoid using special characters (
/ \ ? * : < > |) in file or folder names. - Use dynamic file paths carefully, ensuring variables hold valid values.
Example Fix:
Use “Compose” action to check the generated file path before passing it to OneDrive actions.
2.7. OneDrive API Limits Exceeded
Problem: The flow is making too many API calls to OneDrive, exceeding throttling limits.
Solution:
- Add “Delay” actions between multiple OneDrive actions to prevent throttling.
- Reduce the number of requests by batching multiple operations together.
- Avoid loops that process too many files in a short time.
Tip: Microsoft limits API requests to prevent excessive usage—optimize your flow to reduce calls.
2.8. Unable to Move or Copy File
Problem: The flow cannot move or copy a file due to access restrictions or file locks.
Solution:
- Ensure the destination folder exists and the user has write permissions.
- If the file is being accessed by another user, try moving it later.
- Check if the file is read-only or restricted by OneDrive policies.
Example Fix:
Use the “Create file” action instead of “Move file” when handling restricted files.
Step 3: Preventing Future OneDrive Action Failures
✅ 3.1. Use a Dedicated Service Account
- Avoid using personal accounts for authentication.
- Use a service account with proper permissions to prevent disruptions.
✅ 3.2. Implement Error Handling & Logging
- Use “Scope” and “Configure Run After” to handle errors gracefully.
- Log OneDrive failures in a SharePoint list for tracking and debugging.
✅ 3.3. Optimize Flow Execution
- Avoid looping through too many files in a single execution.
- If processing large datasets, use batch processing instead of individual requests.
✅ 3.4. Validate File Paths & Formats
- Ensure file paths are correct before running actions.
- Validate file formats before processing them in OneDrive.
✅ 3.5. Monitor OneDrive Storage & API Usage
- Regularly check OneDrive storage space to prevent file upload failures.
- Monitor API request limits to avoid hitting Microsoft throttling limits.