Power Automate Basic...How to launch and run a desktop flow from a Batch or Command File?

[LanceKemp]

Need the ability to use the free version of Power Automate and have it lauched from either a .bat or .cmd file and start a desktop flow automatically without user intervention.... CAN THIS BE DONE?

(with out paying $100 a month )

[Highboy]

I don't think so.

[VJR]

There are multiple suggestions on this topic in the Ideas section. You can search and upvote them.

[PAG]

Hello @LanceKemp 

Yes, this is already possible. Here is a working example: https://power.automate.gallery/run-flow-from-command-line-prompt-or-windows-task-scheduler 

[LanceKemp]

Resolver 1-

I appreciate the help, but, I'm new to this and I can see you can run a "ping" command from a task or cmd file.  but I am not sure how these steps would work for me.  I am trying to launch a premade flow called "Totalizer Login" that works from within Power Automate.  But I can't seem to get Power Automate started and then automatically run the flow from the Windows Startup menu or even from a command prompt.  Once Power Automate starts from a Batch, or CMD file, how do you force it to run an existing flow.?

[PAG]

Hello,

Sure, I'll explain. Add this action as the first action to your flow "Totalizer Login":

WAIT (System.WaitForProcess.ProcessToStart ProcessName: $'''PING''')

 Then run the flow. Flow will not complete, it will wait instead.

Next, use command prompt to complete the flow, open command prompt and type (you could also run this from a .bat file):

ping localhost -n 1 > NUL

Your flow will now complete.

You can improve this solution by adding an infinite loop to the flow (see my example link).

[Alphadrag]

Hi, I have a question regarding this issue. I have this whole chunk of code in PAD where I have to run everyday. So I plan to put it inside the windows task scheduler. However, just from your code, may I ask

1) what is the purpose of the label there

2) where do i insert this inside my pad desktop flow?

This image shows how my flow starts and what i tried and there is a total of 1219 Actions. I have yet to tried if it works as i have to wait till tomorrow before seeing, but please tell me if i am doing it correctly or wrongly:

[PAG]

Hello @Alphadrag 

1) what is the purpose of the label there

The purpose is to create an endless loop. Without the label, your flow would just run once.

2) where do i insert this inside my pad desktop flow?

Insert "LABEL Restart" at the top, before "WAIT". Insert "GOTO Restart" as the last action in your flow, where the flow ends.

[Alphadrag]

Thank you for your reply. However, I have a question here:

If my power automate desktop app is not open, would the task scheduler still work and run that particular desktop flow named "Backup_Tracking_RPA"? or how does it exactly work? Because ultimately I want this flow to be run daily using task scheduler, without having the need for me to open up the application as sometimes I won't be around to open the application and run the flow. 

[PAG]

The flow will not run if it have not been started beforehand.

You might want to use the new feature "Run through an external link", then you don't need to start the flow beforehand. I've updated the example at: https://power.automate.gallery/run-flow-from-command-line-prompt-or-windows-task-scheduler 

[Alphadrag]

But that is a premium feature correct? Which i do not have. So what i need to do is just start running the flow before hand correct? and it does not matter if i close the app after running the flow as it will continue to run unless stopped is it?

[PAG]

But that is a premium feature correct?

Yes, that is a premium feature.

So what i need to do is just start running the flow before hand correct? and it does not matter if i close the app after running the flow as it will continue to run unless stopped is it?

You need to start the flow AND keep the flow running. You may close the application since flows will continue running in the background. Without the premium plan, you need to keep the flow constantly running on your computer, that's the drawback.

[Alphadrag]

Ah i see, i got a final question. what program/script does the ping run in for the edit actions? is it a cmd command?

[PAG]

Yes, ping will be executed in Command Prompt (cmd)

[Alphadrag]

Besides ping, what else can i use? as i require to use the normal commands like ping/netstat/ipconfig etc. I need to use cmd commands that are less used. Do you have any on mind?

[PAG]

Tested quickly and also these native commands works:

• ipconfig
• tracert
• nslookup localhost (use "nslookup" in "wait for process")

[Alphadrag]

are there any others? any commands not related to networking and less known and works?

[LogicSmith]

Basically, you can create or use any app to trigger this - the trigger just loops and looks for a program to run with a particular name. If you have a developer handy, ask them for a console app that immediately exits. You should get a tiny EXE which you can rename to whatever you want. As long as its name matches the name you're looking for in the loop.

[PAG]

No need to consult a developer. I created a Windows application (EXE) that you can download and use right away, just for this purpose. Please follow instructions. See section "Run with parameters" at https://power.automate.gallery/run-flow-from-command-line-prompt-or-windows-task-scheduler