Variable in cloud used by PAD flow

[erika027]

Hi All,

Is it possible in PAD:

1. Define a variable like config file path with value on the page : https://make.powerautomate.com/environments/myenv

2. When my PAD flow starts it picks this value from cloud

If the config file path changes, only the variable needs to be updated on the cloud instead of in the flow.

Thank you.

[Deenuji]

@erika027 

You can create the environment variable and pick from power automate cloud flow and pass as input for your desktop flow. Other than that, I don't see any direct consumption way from Power automate desktop else you can also create your variable in Dataverse table and consume directly from power automate desktop.

Thanks,
Deenuji Loganathan 👩‍💻
Automation Evangelist 🤖
Follow me on LinkedIn 👥

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[NathanAlvares24 · Accepted solution]

Hi @erika027 !

Yes, its possible.

Two methods:-

1st Method:

All you need to do is create a solution, import your cloud flow into that solution. This cloud flow should contain the action, "Run a flow built with Power Automate for desktop". Then create an environment variable, type in the path in the default value field, edit your cloud flow, add your environment variable in that. And Voila!! Just run your flow. See below:

Add existing cloud flow or you can create a new one.

Add the environment variable. Only this needs to be updated

All this can happen only if your desktop has an input variable. That's when you can add the environment variable to your cloud flow as it gives a prompt to enter an input field.

2nd Method:

Use a Dataverse and Power Automate Desktop. No need of cloud flows here.

All you need to do is create a table in Power Apps, add the information in that, and then use Dataverse actions in Power Automate Desktop. So in this there is no need to update the input variables in PAD, just update the information in your Dataverse table.

Let me show you what I usually do this for:

I usually use Dataverse tables for credentials which are sensitive data as there is no credential vaults or if you need a credential vault like CyberArk or Azure you would need to pay which is for sure nobody will do that. Dataverse is free and security is high.

This is mostly used if you are using "send email" action in PAD.

Then in PAD you just have to use these actions,

I hope this helps.