Change directory of files uploaded via channel post/reply in Teams "Files" tab

Hi @YalRmy-8058,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A Forum.

I'd be happy to share some insights on how to manage the directory for files uploaded via channel posts or replies in the Teams "Files" tab.

First of all, regarding why files are saved to the default folder: when you upload a file in a Teams channel post or reply, it is automatically stored in the channel’s root folder under the Files tab (which is backed by SharePoint). This is expected behavior, as Teams does not currently prompt users to select a custom folder during the upload process.

At this time, there is no built-in setting in Teams that allows you to choose a different folder when posting. However, there are a few workarounds you can consider, ranging from simple to more advanced:

• Upload the file directly to your desired folder first, then share it in your conversation using the “Share link” option instead of attaching the file.
• Open the channel’s SharePoint site (via the “Open in SharePoint” link in the Files tab), create organized folders there, and share links to files stored in those folders within your Teams posts.
• Advanced method: You can use Power Automate to create a flow that automatically moves files from the root folder to a designated folder after upload. The flow would typically use the “When a file is created” trigger, followed by a “Move file” action. While I’m not a Power Automate expert, you might find this approach helpful depending on your needs. You can refer to tutorials online to guide you through the setup process: Automatically copy files from one library to another using Power Automate.

Disclaimer: The link provided is a third-party resource and is not affiliated with Microsoft. Please proceed with caution and verify any downloads or instructions directly with the manufacturer.

If you have any further question about Power Automate, I’d recommend visiting the Microsoft Power Platform Community Forum Thread.

This forum is dedicated to Power Automate and is supported by a knowledgeable community, including Microsoft experts and partners. By posting there, you'll have access to more specialized resources and insights, which can help resolve your issue more effectively.

We suggest this route because our resources on Power Automate are limited, and we want to avoid providing incomplete or inaccurate information. The Power Platform Community is the best place to get targeted help and also allows others to learn from your experience.

Finally, regarding why deleted files still appear in Teams posts: when a file is deleted from the Files tab, it is removed from SharePoint, but the original message in the Teams conversation remains. This is because the post only contains a link to the file, not the file itself. As a result, clicking the link after deletion will lead to an error indicating the file is not found, but the message itself stays visible as part of the conversation history. As for file storage locations, files uploaded in a channel are stored in the associated SharePoint folder, while files shared in private chats are saved to the sender’s OneDrive for Business. There is no hidden or duplicate storage, Teams simply references the file location via a link in the conversation.

Note: Please understand that our initial response does not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution. 

I hope this information is helpful. Please follow these steps and let me know if it works for you. If not, we can work together to resolve this. 

Thank you for your patience and your understanding. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. 

I'm looking forward to your reply. 

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