Power Automate handles repeat work across Microsoft apps, online services, websites, and Windows desktop programs. The hard part is picking the right entry point: web portal, template, schedule, desktop recorder, mobile app, or Teams. Start with the flow type that matches the task, then build, test, and manage it from the current Microsoft tools.
1. Start in the Power Automate web portal
Use the web portal for cloud flows that connect apps and online services. Open https://make.powerautomate.com in a current version of Microsoft Edge, Safari, Chrome, or Firefox, then sign in with a Microsoft work or school email address.
After July 27, 2025, Microsoft requires a work or school email address for the Power Automate cloud service. Personal accounts such as Gmail.com and Outlook.com do not work for the cloud service.
2. Generate your first cloud flow with Copilot
Sign in to Power Automate, then enter what the automation should do in the Copilot field. Select Generate, then select Keep it and continue.
Review the connected apps and services, then select Next. Select Save once the flow is ready.
Copilot runs in the new designer, is on by default, and is optimized for English. Admins can disable Copilot, so create the flow manually when the Copilot field is unavailable.
3. Build a cloud flow from scratch
For a manual setup, sign in to Power Automate. Open My flows, select New flow, then choose the flow type that matches the start condition.
Automated cloud flow starts when a trigger occurs. Instant cloud flow runs when you start it manually. Scheduled cloud flow runs on a date and recurrence you choose.
Enter a Flow name, then choose or search for a trigger. Select Create, configure the actions in the designer, and select Save.
4. Pick a template for a faster setup
Templates give you a prebuilt trigger and action structure. In the left navigation pane, select Templates.
Search or browse templates, then select one. Sign in to the required services and select Continue.
Customize the expanded trigger and action cards, enter a flow name, and select Create flow. Select Save.
The connectors in the template control which accounts and permissions you need before the flow can run.
5. Schedule repeated work
Sign in to Power Automate, then open My flows. Select New flow, then select Scheduled cloud flow.
Fill in the Starting date and time, then fill in Repeat every. Select Create, add the actions the flow should run, and select Save.
Use a scheduled cloud flow for a task that needs a fixed start time and recurrence instead of a manual start.
6. Install Power Automate for desktop on Windows
Desktop flows automate desktop and web tasks on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Microsoft documents two official installation routes: the Microsoft Store path and the MSI installer path from Microsoft Learn.
Microsoft Store route Open Microsoft Store, then search for Power Automate for desktop. Select Get.
The Store installation does not require admin rights and updates automatically.
MSI route Download the installer from Microsoft Learn. Save it to Desktop or Downloads, run Setup.Microsoft.PowerAutomate.exe, and follow the setup installer.
Choose features such as Power Automate for desktop, Machine-runtime app, and Java UI automation files. Select the terms check box, then select Install.
The MSI installer requires local admin permissions, handles 32-bit and 64-bit systems, and Power Automate for desktop version 2.55 and later requires .NET 8 runtime.
Install one version of the Power Automate for desktop app per PC. Microsoft says having both the MSI and Store (MSIX) app versions is not supported, but the Store app can run alongside the Machine-runtime app installed from the MSI.
7. Record and run a desktop flow
Open Power Automate for desktop, select New flow, and enter a name. Select Create, build the flow in the flow designer, and select Save.
The saved flow appears in the My flows tab of the console.
- 1.Open the flow designer.
- 2.Select Recorder on the toolbar.
- 3.Select Record.
- 4.Perform the app or webpage actions you want to automate.
- 5.Select Done to convert the recording into desktop flow actions.
For image recording, select Recorder. Open the dots icon, enable Image recording, and select Record.
To run the flow later, open the desktop console. Select the Start button next to the flow or on the command bar. To change it, select Edit.
8. Run flows from mobile or Teams
On iPhone or Android, install the Power Automate mobile app. Sign in, select +, and choose a template.
Fill the required fields, enter a name, and select Save. To manage a flow, open the Flows screen.
Use the pencil icon to edit, or the vertical ellipsis to select Run flow, Turn off, Turn on, Delete, or Details.
For phone widgets, iPhone users long-press the home screen. Tap the plus icon, choose the Power Automate app, and add a widget.
Android users long-press the home screen. Choose Widgets, pick Power Automate, and tap the widget on the home screen.
Widgets run flows you created, not flows shared with you.
In Microsoft Teams, sign in to Teams. Open Apps > Workflows, select a template, and name the flow.
Sign in to the required apps or services, then select Next. Fill in the parameters, select Add workflow, and select Done.
From a Teams message, select the ellipses. Choose More actions, select Create new action, choose a template, and select Next. Then finish the prompts.
9. Manage flows after creation
Pause or resume a cloud flow Sign in to Power Automate. Open My flows, select the flow, and use Turn off or Turn on.
Edit a cloud flow Open My flows. Select the flow, then choose Edit or the pencil icon.
Delete a cloud flow Select the flow. Choose Delete, then confirm with Delete.
Check recent runs Select the flow. Open Details, then review the 28 day run history.
Uninstall the desktop app Open the Windows Start menu. Go to Settings > Apps, search for Power Automate, and select it. Choose Uninstall.
Skip instructions that rely on the classic Power Apps Power Automate pane for everyday flow creation. Microsoft recommends the current Power Automate pane, and the classic Power Apps experience is marked as retiring soon.
On managed devices and company accounts, admins control tenant settings, connector data policies, trials, desktop sign-in restrictions, and desktop shortcut or URL runs. When a connector, button, Copilot entry point, or desktop run option is blocked, the setting lives with the organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Power Automate with a personal Outlook.com account?
No for the cloud service. After July 27, 2025, Microsoft requires a work or school email address for Power Automate cloud service access.
What is the easiest Power Automate flow type for a beginner?
Start with a template when you want a prebuilt trigger and action layout. Use Copilot when your account has it enabled and you can describe the flow clearly in English.
Does Power Automate for desktop require admin rights?
The Microsoft Store installation does not require admin rights. The MSI installer requires local admin permissions.
Can Power Automate run instant flows from a phone home screen?
Yes. The iOS and Android widgets can run instant flows you created. They do not run flows that were shared with you.
