Power Automate Desktop (PAD) enables users to automate desktop applications, eliminating manual and repetitive tasks. It provides a low-code/no-code solution for automating legacy applications, Windows software, and UI interactions, helping businesses improve efficiency and reduce human errors.
This guide will cover:
✔ How Power Automate Desktop automates desktop applications
✔ Common use cases
✔ Step-by-step tutorial to automate a desktop app
✔ Best practices and troubleshooting
1. How Power Automate Desktop Automates Desktop Applications
Power Automate Desktop interacts with desktop applications using:
UI Automation – Identifies and interacts with buttons, text fields, and menus.
Keyboard & Mouse Actions – Simulates keystrokes and mouse clicks.
Windows Controls Automation – Works with dropdowns, pop-ups, and dialog boxes.
Data Extraction – Retrieves text from screens, input fields, and tables.
File and Folder Actions – Manages files, folders, and system processes.
Connector Integration – Connects with Microsoft 365 and other cloud services.
Supported Applications:
- Windows desktop applications (e.g., Notepad, Calculator, File Explorer)
- Legacy software (e.g., ERP systems, custom-built applications)
- Microsoft Office apps (Excel, Outlook, Word)
- Web browsers (Edge, Chrome, Firefox)
2. Common Use Cases for Desktop Automation
Data Entry Automation – Automate repetitive form filling in desktop applications.
File Management – Copy, move, rename, or delete files automatically.
Report Generation – Extract data from applications and compile reports.
HR & Payroll Automation – Automate HR software interactions.
Customer Service Bots – Automate responses in desktop-based CRM tools.
Banking & Finance – Process transactions in legacy banking applications.
3. Setting Up Power Automate Desktop for Desktop Automation
Step 1: Install Power Automate Desktop
- Download from Microsoft Power Automate.
- Install and sign in with a Microsoft account.
Step 2: Open Power Automate Desktop
- Click New Flow and name it (e.g., “Automate Notepad Data Entry”).
4. Automating a Desktop Application: Step-by-Step Guide
Scenario: Automating Notepad Data Entry
Goal: Open Notepad, type a message, save the file, and close Notepad.
Step 1: Launch the Application
- Click + Add Action → Search for Launch Application.
- Select Notepad.exe as the application.
Step 2: Insert Text into Notepad
- Add Send Keys action.
- Enter text (e.g., “Automating Notepad with Power Automate Desktop”).
Step 3: Save the File
- Add Send Keys → Press
Ctrl + Sto open the Save dialog. - Add Send Keys → Type File Name (e.g., “AutomationTest.txt”).
- Add Send Keys → Press
Enter.
Step 4: Close Notepad
- Add Send Keys → Press
Alt + F4to close Notepad.
Step 5: Run & Test
- Click Run to execute the automation.
- Verify that the file is saved correctly.
5. Best Practices for Automating Desktop Applications
✔ Use Stable UI Selectors – Ensure automation works even if app UI changes.
✔ Avoid Hardcoded Delays – Use conditions instead of static wait times.
✔ Use Error Handling – Implement exception handling for failed actions.
✔ Secure Credentials – Store sensitive data securely in Windows Credential Manager.
✔ Test on Different Machines – Ensure the automation runs on various environments.
6. Troubleshooting Common Issues
❌ Automation Stops Unexpectedly
Use Wait for Window action to ensure the app is loaded before executing commands.
❌ UI Elements Not Recognized
Enable Accessibility Mode or use Image Recognition as a fallback.
❌ Incorrect Keystrokes
Use Delay Between Actions to prevent keystroke conflicts.
❌ Application Freezes
Add Error Handling to retry actions if the app becomes unresponsive.
7. Conclusion
Power Automate Desktop makes desktop application automation easy and efficient. Whether automating data entry, file management, or legacy systems, PAD streamlines operations and reduces manual work.
Start automating your desktop applications today!