SharePoint File Thumbnails Update for Power Automate

Share on LinkedIn!

#RegoConsulting #SimpleSharepoint #PowerAutomate #PowerPlatform #SharePoint #DataGovernance #DigitalTransformation #ChangeManagement #ITGovernance

Connector Schema Changes and Workflow Remediation Strategy

SharePoint file thumbnails are undergoing a major connector update that introduces breaking changes for existing Power Automate flows.

Effective September 1, 2026, Microsoft is updating SharePoint triggers and actions that currently return a thumbnail URL. Moving forward, a dedicated “Get file thumbnail” action will return an image directly rather than a URL. Consequently, flows still referencing the legacy URL value will receive an invalid response, causing downstream actions to fail.

Operational Risks and Visibility Challenges

Because this change impacts connector outputs, tenant leads faces specific governance and technical challenges:

  • Maker-side remediation: Updating these workflows requires manual edits from flow owners rather than a global admin toggle.
  • Limited connector documentation: Microsoft has not published a detailed list of impacted triggers, requiring proactive flow audits.
  • Orphaned business logic: Critical approval flows posting document previews into Microsoft Teams often lack recorded owners, increasing failure risks.

Action Plan for Power Platform Administrators

To safeguard automated business processes ahead of the September deadline, teams should follow three maintenance steps:

  • Inventory target workflows: Scan your Power Automate environment for flows referencing SharePoint file thumbnails or document previews.
  • Update action schemas: Replace legacy thumbnail URL properties with the new Get file thumbnail action across business-critical flows.
  • Establish maker ownership: Map current business owners to unmanaged flows to streamline future connector updates.

How the SimpleSharepoint team helps you get this done:

  • Flow Inventory: We work with you to find automations touching SharePoint file thumbnails ahead of the September date, prioritizing business-critical flows first.
  • Ongoing Maker Governance: We help you keep a current picture of who owns which flow so future unannounced connector changes have designated owners watching for them.

Trying to gauge how much of your Power Automate estate is exposed to this change? We are happy to review your environment and align remediation steps.

Graphic with text: SharePoint File Thumbnails: The September 1 Flow Break. Simple SharePoint, a division of Rego Consulting.

We Can Help You get the Most From Your Investment

With over 20 years of experience in Microsoft solutions, we provide hands-on support, strategic guidance, and long-term partnership to help you optimize M365,SharePoint, Teams, Power Platform, Power BI, Copilot, Purview, and Azure.

Work Directly with a Microsoft Expert

Ask an Expert – No Risk, No Commitment
Get up to 5 hours of free consulting time with one of our Microsoft-certified experts to address real-world issues or plan your next project.

  • Microsoft 365 Troubleshooting & Optimization
    Improve performance, fix persistent issues, or streamline user experience.

  • Copilot Strategy & AI Adoption
    Explore how to integrate Microsoft Copilot and prepare your team for AI-driven productivity.

  • Microsoft Security & Compliance Help
    Get guidance on data protection, governance, and identity management best practices.