Power Automate "Update Item" step for SharePoint should not automatically apply column default values to existing list items

The "Update Item" step automatically retrieves the default value for SharePoint list columns that have default values specified and incorporates them into the step. This can corrupt a list by unintentionally overwriting values that already exist in those columns. It is a highly counter-intuitive behavior for two reasons: 1. it does not make sense to apply default values to existing list items, which may already have different values specified; and 2. the "Update Item" step does not otherwise automatically apply values to columns that do not have default values. In my opinion, "Update Item" should not make changes to fields/columns that are not EXPLICITLY configured by the Flow's author.

42 votes

Anonymous shared this idea · Feb 10, 2020 · Flag idea as inappropriate… · Admin →

7 comments

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Sparrowhawk commented · March 3, 2021 7:34 AM · Flag as inappropriate

I had an idea for entirely new connector they could give us: One that allows you to update only select column values on a given item. They've got all the info they need to abstract it away into a friendly connector for us to use.

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Jason commented · January 14, 2021 8:09 AM · Flag as inappropriate

This exact problem corrupted my list yesterday! I only wanted it to update a single column and it reverted two other status columns to default values after we had manually dispositioned them. The Update Item functionality is useless if it can only be used in lists without default values.

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Udayan commented · November 6, 2020 3:04 AM · Flag as inappropriate

I agree ! Its time consuming . at blank filed should not be updated . or we should have action to update a single filed .

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Mike commented · October 8, 2020 11:06 AM · Flag as inappropriate

100% agree! It is tremendously inefficient having to re-populate every column over and over. An alternative option... add a new "Set Field" action that comes with the SharePoint on create/modify connectors

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Steve Walker commented · September 22, 2020 8:28 AM · Flag as inappropriate

I nearly destroyed some really important data. At the last minute I asked myself, "wait, is this going to clear the content of all those fields?" and yup, it would have.

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Anonymous commented · August 26, 2020 11:59 AM · Flag as inappropriate

And/Or allow the option to update a field without having to specify the value for every other single field in the list.

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Artyom commented · February 10, 2020 1:52 PM · Flag as inappropriate

I would suggest to implement "Add field value" user experience. It could make step settings more clear for understanding the step logic.

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