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Microsoft Power Automate

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Microsoft Power Automate
DeveloperMicrosoft
Initial releaseNovember 2016; 9 years ago (2016-11) (as Microsoft Flow)
Stable release(s) [±]
WindowsMarch 2026 Update (2.66.154.26079) / April 1, 2026; 24 days ago (2026-04-01)[1][2]
Android3.0.973 / September 12, 2025; 7 months ago (2025-09-12)[3][4]
iOS3.0.980 / April 8, 2026; 17 days ago (2026-04-08)[5]
Microsoft Edge2.61.0 (Build 32) / November 11, 2025; 5 months ago (2025-11-11)[6]
Operating systemWindows, Android, iOS
TypeTask automation
LicenseProprietary software
Websitewww.microsoft.com/power-platform/products/power-automate

Microsoft Power Automate, previously known as Microsoft Flow until November 2019,[7] is a SaaS platform by Microsoft for optimizing and automating workflows and business processes. It is part of the Microsoft Power Platform line of products, which include Power Apps and Power BI.[8]

History

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On November 1, 2016, Microsoft Flow (now Microsoft Power Automate) became generally available.[9] Similar to services like IFTTT and Zapier, users could connect between cloud apps and services with automated workflows known as flows.

On November 4, 2019, Microsoft announced a rebranding of Microsoft Flow to Microsoft Power Automate and its inclusion in Microsoft Power Platform with a shift from solely workflows to also include business processes. At the same time, a number of new functions were announced, including robotic process automation (RPA) capabilities.[10]

In 2020, Microsoft acquired Softomotive,[11] the makers of ProcessRobot and WinAutomation, to further expand the capabilities in Power Automate.

In 2022, Microsoft acquired Minit[12] to further expand its process mining capabilities in Power Automate.

Flows

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Power Automate allows users to create automated workflows, called "flows", that connect multiple applications and services. Flows can be triggered via events, they can run on a schedule or can be manually started, enabling tasks such as data collection, notifications, emailing and synchronization between services. It is possible to create flows using a graphical interface without coding or customize them using advanced expressions and logic for complex automation.[13]

Types of flows

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  • Automated flows: Triggered by events in connected applications, such as receiving an email or updating a record.
  • Instant flows: Manually triggered by a user, often via a button in the Power Automate interface or mobile app.
  • Scheduled flows: Run at predefined times or intervals to automate repetitive tasks.
  • Business process flows: Guide users through a series of steps to ensure consistency in business processes.
  • Desktop flows: Use robotic process automation (RPA) to automate tasks on local machines or virtual environments.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Power Automate for desktop - Build 2603-update3". Microsoft Learn. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  2. ^ "Power Automate". Microsoft Apps. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  3. ^ "Power Automate". Google Play. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  4. ^ "Power Automate 3.0.973". APKMirror. 2025-09-12. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  5. ^ "Power Automate". App Store. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  6. ^ "Microsoft Power Automate". Microsoft Edge. Retrieved April 13, 2026.
  7. ^ Microsoft Flow becomes Power Automate and other Cool Features from Microsoft Ignite 2019 - Carl de Souza
  8. ^ "What Are Microsoft Power Pages and Express Design?". PCMAG. Retrieved 2025-01-06.
  9. ^ Microsoft PowerApps and Flow are generally available starting tomorrow - The Official Microsoft Blog
  10. ^ James Phillips (2019-11-04). "Announcing RPA, enhanced security, no-code virtual agents, and more for Microsoft Power Platform". Microsoft Cloud Blog. Microsoft. Retrieved 2020-03-26.
  11. ^ "Microsoft acquires Softomotive to expand low-code robotic process automation capabilities in Microsoft Power Automate". powerautomate.microsoft.com. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  12. ^ Graham, Justin (2022-03-31). "Microsoft acquires Minit to strengthen process mining capabilities". The Official Microsoft Blog. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  13. ^ "Introduction to desktop flows". Microsoft Learn. Retrieved 2026-03-03.

Further reading

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  • Guilmette, Aaron (2020). Workflow Automation with Microsoft Power Automate: Achieve digital transformation through business automation with minimal coding. Packt Publishing. ISBN 978-1839213793.
  • Rhodes, Jeffrey (2022). Creating Business Applications with Microsoft 365: Techniques in Power Apps, Power BI, SharePoint, and Power Automate. Apress. ISBN 978-1484288221.
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