Create desktop flows to launch, connect to, and authenticate target application

When it comes to automating repetitive tasks on your desktop, Microsoft Power Automate provides a powerful solution. With the ability to create desktop flows, you can easily launch, connect to, and authenticate target applications. In this article, we will explore the steps required to create these desktop flows using Power Automate.

Prerequisites

To begin, ensure that you have the necessary prerequisites installed. This includes the Power Automate Desktop app on your Windows device and the Power Automate app for your web browser. Once you have both of these installed, you’re ready to get started.

Launching a Target Application

To create a desktop flow that launches a target application, follow these steps:

1. Open the Power Automate Desktop app on your Windows device.
2. Click on the “Automation” tab and select “Desktop flow.”
3. Give your flow a meaningful name and click on “Create flow.”

Now, let’s add the steps to launch the target application.

4. Under the “Actions” tab, search for the “Launch application” action and add it to your flow.
5. In the properties panel on the right, specify the path of the target application you want to launch.
6. You can also provide any additional arguments required by the application, such as command-line parameters. To do this, click on the ellipsis (…) button next to the “Arguments” field and enter the desired values.
7. Save your flow.

That’s it! You have successfully created a desktop flow to launch a target application. You can now execute this flow whenever you need to open the application.

Connecting to a Target Application

Power Automate also allows you to connect to a target application and perform various actions within it. Here’s how you can create a desktop flow to connect to a target application:

1. Open the Power Automate Desktop app and create a new desktop flow as described earlier.
2. Add the “Connect to application” action from the “Actions” tab.
3. In the properties panel, specify the name of the application you want to connect to.
4. If required, you can also provide credentials for authentication purposes. Click on the ellipsis (…) button next to the “Credentials” field and enter the necessary details.
5. Save your flow.

With this desktop flow, you can establish a connection to the target application and perform subsequent actions within it.

Authenticating a Target Application

Many applications require authentication before allowing access to their features. With Power Automate, you can automate the authentication process as well. Follow these steps to create a desktop flow for authenticating a target application:

1. Open the Power Automate Desktop app and create a new desktop flow.
2. Add the “Authenticate” action from the “Actions” tab.
3. In the properties panel, specify the name of the target application you want to authenticate with.
4. Enter the necessary credentials required for authentication, such as username and password.
5. Save your flow.

Now, whenever you execute this desktop flow, Power Automate will automatically authenticate with the target application using the provided credentials.

Please note that the specific steps and actions may vary depending on the target application you are working with. It is recommended to refer to the documentation of the target application or explore the available actions in Power Automate Desktop to find the most suitable options for your automation needs.

In conclusion, creating desktop flows with Power Automate allows you to launch, connect to, and authenticate target applications effortlessly. By automating these tasks, you can save time and enhance your productivity. So go ahead, give it a try, and unlock the power of automation with Power Automate!