Microsoft Extends Automation Capabilities to All Windows 10 Users

Microsoft has announced the free availability of Power Automate Desktop to all Windows 10 users. This enterprise-grade tool facilitates the creation of automated workflows centered around desktop applications.

What is Power Automate Desktop?

Power Automate Desktop is described by Microsoft as an “attended Robotic Process Automation” (RPA) solution. Essentially, it functions as a significantly enhanced macro recorder.

The platform includes 370 pre-configured actions designed to streamline flow creation across various applications. However, its core strength lies in the ability to develop custom scripts for automating repetitive and time-intensive processes.

History and Integration

Initially launched last September, Power Automate Desktop is built upon Microsoft’s acquisition of Softomotive in early 2020. Since then, Microsoft has expanded upon Softomotive’s technology and integrated it more closely with its existing product ecosystem.

The software is currently available for download directly from Microsoft. In the coming weeks, it will be incorporated into Microsoft’s Windows 10 Insider Builds, eventually becoming a standard feature across all versions, including Windows 10 Home.

Previously, a per-user license for Power Automate Desktop cost a minimum of $15 monthly.

Image Credits: Microsoft

Democratizing Development

“Our goal with the Power Platform has been to democratize development for everyone,” stated Charles Lamanna, CVP of Power Platform engineering at Microsoft. “This means creating products accessible to all, which is the core principle of no-code/low-code development – whether building applications with Power Apps or automating tasks with Power Automate.”

Lamanna emphasized the importance of expanding the creative potential of typical PC users, empowering them to envision themselves as developers.

This move, according to Lamanna, eliminates licensing barriers and conveys to Windows users that they too can create bots and automate tasks. “The design – and our experience with recording features, similar to a macro recorder – allows users to automate without needing to understand complex coding concepts like loops or application identification. They can simply record and execute the desired actions,” he explained.

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