MC1137601 - Additional document processing rule actions for Microsoft SharePoint libraries

Service

SharePoint Online

Last Updated

Sep 8, 2025

Published Aug 18, 2025

Tag

Updated message
Feature update

Summary

Microsoft SharePoint libraries will gain new document processing rule actions—copy file to, move file to, and set content type—rolling out from late August to mid-September 2025. These enable automated file management based on metadata for users with edit permissions. Users should prepare by informing teams and reviewing existing rules.

More information

Updated September 8, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.

Introduction

We're expanding the capabilities of document processing rules in SharePoint libraries to help site owners and members better manage content. New actions—copy file to, move file to, and set content type to—will be available to all users with edit permissions, enabling more flexible automation based on file metadata.

When this will happen

Rollout will begin in late August 2025 and is expected to complete by mid-September 2025 (previously early September).

How this affects your organization

SharePoint users will see three new actions in the rules editor interface. These actions allow users to:

  • Automatically copy or move files based on metadata triggers.
  • Set a published content type for files that meet specific criteria.

Rules can be created by site owners or members with edit permissions. Destination libraries must be accessible to the rule creator and can reside in the same site or a different one. Each library can support up to 15 rules, but destination libraries cannot be targeted by multiple copy/move rules.

What you can do to prepare

We recommend informing your SharePoint users about these new capabilities and reviewing existing rules to avoid conflicts. 

Learn more: Overview of content processing rules

Compliance considerations

No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.