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Bulk assign from a query in Azure DevOps

  • Azure DevOps
  • Automation
  • Schedule & bulk
  • Bulk
  • Assignment

On a schedule, run a shared query and set Assigned To on matching items (max 50) in Azure DevOps.

You will need to configure a shared query, select an assignee, and set the timezone before enabling this automation. It is designed to handle up to 50 work items per execution.

Bulk assign from a query flow overview
Overview of the Bulk assign from a query automation flow.

Prerequisite: Install Automations App on your Azure DevOps organization

Install from Marketplace Complete organization setup

Trigger

Trigger — Schedule

This step initiates the automation on a recurring schedule. It is configured to run every day at 09:00 UTC, ensuring regular updates to work item assignments.

Configured in this template

  • Occurrence: Every day at 09:00 (UTC)

You can customize

  • Change the schedule to a different time or frequency to suit your team's needs.
  • Adjust the timezone to match your local time.
Bulk assign from a query trigger
Schedule trigger setup for daily execution at 09:00 UTC.
Get

Get — Execute a query

This action runs a shared Azure DevOps query to retrieve work items that match specific criteria. It loads these items into the automation for further processing.

Configured in this template

  • Shared query: placeholder — pick a shared query in this project

You can customize

  • Select a different shared query to target other work items.
  • Modify the query in Azure DevOps Boards to refine item selection.
Bulk assign from a query action 1
Execute a query action to retrieve work items from a shared query.
Action

Action — Update Work Item

This step updates the 'Assigned To' field for each work item retrieved by the query. It assigns these items to a specified user, cutting down task distribution.

Configured in this template

  • Work on: Items from Get
  • Field updates: Assigned To = (empty — set per org)

You can customize

  • Set the 'Assigned To' field to a different user or group.
  • Add additional field updates if needed, such as changing the status or priority.
Bulk assign from a query action 2
Update Work Item action to assign tasks to a specified user.

Full automation

Bulk assign from a query full automation
Full view of the Bulk assign from a query automation in the builder canvas.

Common questions

How do I bulk assign from a query in Azure DevOps?
On a schedule, run a shared query and set Assigned To on matching items (max 50) in Azure DevOps. Use the Bulk assign from a query template in Documentero Automations: open Templates, pick this flow, fill the required fields, and enable it.
What fields must be filled before enabling this automation?
You need to set a shared query, an assignee for the 'Assigned To' field, and configure the timezone.
Can I change the type of work items this automation affects?
Yes, you can modify the shared query to target different types of work items.
How can I test this automation before fully implementing it?
Run the automation with a test query that affects a small number of items to ensure it works as expected.
How do I adjust the schedule or timezone for this automation?
Edit the 'Schedule' trigger to change the time, frequency, or timezone as needed.

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Automate Azure DevOps workflows with triggers, actions, conditions, and scheduled rules.

Setup guideSchedule & bulk templates

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Stale work report

Schedule & bulk

Every Monday, email incomplete work items not changed in 14+ days (Closed Date empty). Adjust the stale window, or add work item types (Bug, User Story, Task) if the list is too broad.

Weekly closed work report

Schedule & bulkFeatured

Every Monday, email a report of work items whose Closed Date is in the last 7 days. Closed Date covers Done as well as Closed.

Unassigned work report

Schedule & bulk

Every Monday, email incomplete work items with no assignee, excluding Proposed (New, To Do, …). Closed Date empty.

Close resolved work after 30 days

Schedule & bulk

Daily, find items in the Resolved state category unchanged for 30+ days, set State to Completed (Closed or Done for the work item type), and add a comment (max 50 per run; the rest wait for the next day).