SharePoint workflows cannot automatically start

user1214747 picture user1214747 · Dec 4, 2013 · Viewed 26.3k times · Source

I'm trying to make a SharePoint workflow start automatically for any new document that is uploaded to a specific doc library. I've configured the workflow in SharePoint Designer to auto start for new documents or changed documents. However, the workflow never starts automatically! I can run it manually, but it won't execute itself.

I've searched around and have found the core issue, which is reflected in my log:

"Declarative workflows cannot automatically start if the triggering action was performed by System Account. Canceling workflow auto-start."

However, all the fixes I've seen have not worked for me. A common solution is to not run or create the workflow as the SharePoint System Account. Well, my SharePoint service accounts are not the ones I'm logging in as to upload my documents nor was it the one I used to create the workflow. I've tried editing & re-publishing my workflow as a totally new account and it still won't auto-start.

Answer

Rishi Jagati picture Rishi Jagati · Dec 5, 2013

Just focus on two things:

  1. Workflow will never start automatically with system account.
  2. Check the options Start workflow automatically when an item is created or changed from Workflow Start Options.