Microsoft recently announced that they have made Power Automate Desktop completely free for all Windows 10 users. For those of you who don’t know what this is, think of it as macros you can use to automate repetitive tasks. Microsoft says it’s joining Robotic Process Automation in Windows, which you can use to create automated workflows that connect different desktop and web applications.
If you need unlimited streaming or need to add more users to the mix, Microsoft offers paid plans of Power Automate starting at $15 per user per month. Let’s take a look at the free version first and understand what Power Automate Desktop is, how it works, why you might need it, and how to install it.
What is Power Automate Desktop?
Microsoft acquired Softomotive last year and has been working to integrate it with their ecosystem ever since. The result is Power Automate Desktop, but what is it?
Have you ever used IFTTT or Zapier before? If so, you already know what to expect from Power Automate Desktop. These are automation tools that connect web and mobile apps to create complex workflows of tasks that execute when certain preset conditions are met. Power Automate Desktop is Microsoft’s acquisition for Windows and the wider Microsoft ecosystem, and includes many third-party applications and services.
Microsoft first created Macros that users can use to open a particular application, for example, using a key combination. Macros are a set of instructions put together into a single instruction that expands when launched to perform a specific task.
Think of Power Automate Desktop as an enhanced version of Macros that comes with a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to create multi-action workflows, each leading to the next. This makes it easy to automate repetitive tasks that don’t need your attention or time and allows you to focus on more complex issues that require human intervention and attention.
How Power Automate Desktop Works
Stage 1: Download the free version using the link we shared above. Sign in using your Microsoft account. Use the same one you use on your Windows computer.
Step 2: After logging in, click the New Stream button to start the process.
Stage 3: Choose a name for your stream or the app will automatically generate a name. Click Create at the bottom to continue.
Step 4: Your newly created Flow will open in a new popup where you will find a list of actions on the left. Double-click any action category to expand it and you’ll find more related actions. Let’s keep things simple for the sake of this guide. Drag and Drop Excel under Excel to the Main tab.
Step 5: You can create and open a new Excel file or open an existing file. We will create a new one. Click Save.
Step 6: Now select ‘Write to Excel worksheet’, type the message or value you want to enter and select the row and column you want to enter. Save Changes.
Step 7: Finally, select Close Excel. Your workflow should look like this. Clicking the play button will help you test the workflow and make sure everything is working as you planned.
Step 8: If something goes wrong, you will display a message with the substream number so you know exactly which step you need to fix. In our case this was the third step and we were able to view the running workflow in real time. A new Excel sheet was opened on the desktop, a message was written in the row/cell we entered, but the Excel sheet did not close properly.
Step 9: You have to be specific. We asked Power Automate Desktop to save the Excel file but were unable to choose a path and filename. When we fixed this, everything worked as it should.
Users can create complex and lengthy workflows with multiple applications and actions and test them to ensure that the workflow is not disrupted. While the UI is easy to navigate, creating longer workflows in Power Automate Desktop can take some time. We expect experts and other users to share their workflow on social media channels soon to benefit others.
Who Should Buy
Everyone should get it. Windows users can now automate several tasks. Extract images from PDF files, copy/delete/move files when done, use conditions, automatically open a series of web pages when a trigger is confirmed, etc.
You need to be creative and find ways to make it work for you. Options such as running Javascript, querying databases, encryption with AES, FTP and Azure are also available. Microsoft will add more services in the future as the product grows and gains strength.
Microsoft already has a growing library of prebuilt templates and connectors that you can use to jumpstart their site. Sign in to find one now. If it’s not perfect, maybe you can edit it?
Automate or Delegate
You should try and delegate what you cannot automate. The idea is to devote time to your daily schedule for core problems that need your expertise. Many people are busy all day without actually achieving anything. They waste their time and talent instead of being productive and contributing in a more meaningful way. This is a step in the right direction. Whether it’s software, robots or artificial intelligence, automation will come. So, what’s your favorite Power Automate Desktop workflow recipe? Share it with us in the comments section below.
Next: Here’s a look at how you can automate meetings on your Android Calendar using the Kono app. It’s easy and effective, keep reading to learn more.
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