Does not match macros and scripts! … ‘Power Automate Desktop’ has arrived

Most of the things we do with computers are repetitive. We put the files in a folder, reply to the form by email, save the file and run the tests as we develop the application. There is an event after the event, and the chain process is reversible.

Most of our daily tasks are automated. Using tools like AzureLogic Apps and Power Automat is similar to sending information between company apps and cloud services.

In fact, RPA tools with similar concepts are becoming more widely used and event-based applications are being created through low-code and no-code tools.

But we usually do not do this on personal devices. This kind of work breaks our flow and reduces our productivity. This is because the tools needed to automate are not included in the standard PC operating environment.

Introducing the Power Automat desktop
Most recently, at Ignite in March 2021, Microsoft made an important announcement regarding its ‘Power Automate Desktop’. By making this tool a standard Windows installation component for future Windows releases (and will soon be included in its Windows Insider Development Channel releases), it integrates process automation with the world of inbox applications.

The goal is to replace Microsoft’s current Windows Recorder automation tool or the open source Selenium desktop UI testing tool.

The Power Automate desktop was a tool called WinAutoMate before May of last year. Originally developed by SoftMotive, it quickly changed its brand after acquisition and is now included in Microsoft’s business-centric power apps platform.

The result is a tool that combines the two features. It provides desktop endpoint for cloud-hosted power applications and an environment that automates tasks on your own PC.

The Power Automatic desktop is provided differently depending on the account you have signed up for. Depending on the account, it integrates with Microsoft Graph and the general data model of Datawars at various levels, subject to power applications. To get the most out of the Power Automat desktop, you need to subscribe to your company’s premium account linked to Microsoft 365 or Power Apps ID.

It uses native applications through a Microsoft account and can be used as a tool to automate and integrate with common business services and office applications using tools built into the tool.

A work or school account can access more Microsoft graph features and a premium account (starting at $ 15 / user per month) connects local process streams to tools such as cloud power automation and machine learning interactions.

Starting
Install the Power Automat desktopThis prompts you to install a browser extension on the Edge. It is worth it. Once installed on the Edge, you can use extensions to automate web application testing by recording and replaying browser interactions.

It is also available as an extension version for Chrome and Firefox. If you want to integrate with the rest of Microsoft’s power platform, you need to have a data gateway installed on all devices connected to the cloud so that you can run desktop streams on a remote device.

This is not required for scenes that you have very remote access to, but you need to have a premium membership and gateway installed to connect your desktop streams to GitHub Activity web hooks. Once installed, use the web-based Power Automat service to connect to Gateway and configure access. And two services can be linked.

If you’ve ever written Power Automat Stream, you can easily understand how to use desktop tools. In flow Design the canvas for different stepsAdditionally, there are tools to capture interactions with the app.

Automate by capturing the UI
On the Power Automat desktop Automate the application UIThe most useful function. You can work directly with familiar application elements or customize key elements after recording interactions.