Create a cloud flow that calls a desktop flow

Creating a cloud flow that initiates a desktop flow can be a crucial aspect when preparing for the PL-500 Microsoft Power Automate RPA Developer exam. In this process, we will use Power Automate to link a cloud flow with a desktop flow, making the desktop flow run automatically when the cloud flow dictates. This form of operation is particularly useful in scenarios where an action on a cloud-based platform needs to trigger an event or process on a desktop application.

The following are general steps and specific examples on how to create a cloud flow that calls a desktop flow:

Step 1: Create a Desktop Flow

Before creating the cloud flow, ensure you have a functional Desktop flow. This could involve automations like opening a browser and navigating to a webpage, extracting data from a document, or even performing a series of complex tasks.

For example, you could have a simple Desktop flow that:

• Opens the Excel app
• Go to a specific worksheet
• Extract data from specific cells
• Close the Excel app

Step 2: Create a Cloud Flow

In Power Automate, go to the “My Flows” tab and choose “New Flow”. Create a trigger action for your cloud flow. This action determines when your desktop flow will be called. It could be triggered by a change in a cloud-based file, based on a time schedule, or any other action that power automate supports.

For example, create a cloud flow that will trigger when a new item is added to a specific SharePoint list.

Step 3: Call the Desktop Flow

After creating the trigger, add a new step to call the Desktop flow. Choose the “Run a UI Flow for Desktop” action. You will be prompted to select the appropriate UI flow (Desktop flow) from a dropdown.

Step 4: Customize the Desktop Flow Input (if needed)

If your Desktop flow is designed to accept input arguments, you can customize those in this step.

Step 5: Save and Test the Cloud Flow

After setting up the Desktop flow call and customizing the inputs, save your new cloud flow and test it. Create the conditions for your trigger to see if your Desktop flow runs correctly.

In conclusion, creating a cloud flow that triggers a desktop flow in MS Power Automate introduces a new level of automation by allowing cloud events to dictate desktop actions. This connectivity ensures seamless integration between cloud and desktop applications leading to more effective and efficient operational workflows.

Candidates preparing for the PL-500 Microsoft Power Automate RPA Developer exam should familiarize themselves with this process, including the setting up of conditions and triggers, the connecting of Cloud flows to Desktop flows, and the testing of the established connection. By mastering this, candidates can efficiently harness the potential of Microsoft Power Automate, and satisfy the exam’s competency requirements.

Remember to continuously practice and explore the different capabilities of Microsoft Power Automate to gain more expertise and increase your chances of passing the PL-500 exam successfully.

Practice Test

Is it possible to create a cloud flow that triggers a desktop flow?

• True
• False

Answer: True

Explanation: It is a feature of Microsoft Power Automate that allows users to link cloud flows with desktop flows.

Which of the following are required before creating a cloud flow that calls a desktop flow?

• An existing desktop flow
• Power Automate Desktop
• Windows 10 Machine
• Internet connection

Answer: All of the above

Explanation: All the mentioned materials and software are necessary for creating a cloud flow that calls a desktop flow.

The Power Automate Desktop console is used for managing and running desktop flows.

• True
• False

Answer: True

Explanation: Power Automate Desktop allows you to automate processes on your local computer.

What happens after the cloud flow calls the desktop flow?

• Desktop flow starts running
• Cloud flow is deleted
• Cloud flow gets paused
• Nothing happens

Answer: Desktop flow starts running

Explanation: After the cloud flow calls the desktop flow, the Desktop flow gets triggered and starts running.

No specific version of Windows is required to create a cloud flow that triggers a desktop flow.

• True
• False

Answer: False

Explanation: Windows 10 is required to create a cloud flow that calls a desktop flow, as Power Automate Desktop supports only Windows

It is required to manually link the cloud and desktop flow together.

• True
• False

Answer: True

Explanation: Manual configuration is needed to connect cloud flows with desktop flows, as they do not automatically link together.

Which of the following is not a step in creating a cloud flow that calls a desktop flow?

• Creating a cloud flow
• Creating a new desktop background
• Creating a desktop flow
• Linking cloud and desktop flow together

Answer: Creating a new desktop background

Explanation: Creating a new desktop background is unrelated to creating a cloud flow that calls a desktop flow.

The desktop flow runs on the cloud.

• True
• False

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite the name, the desktop flow runs on your local machine, not the cloud.

Windows 7 can be used to run a cloud flow that triggers a desktop flow in Power Automate.

• True
• False

Answer: False

Explanation: Windows 7 is not compatible with Power Automate Desktop. It requires Windows

Power Automate RPA Developer exam, PL-500 does not have questions related to creating a cloud flow that calls a desktop flow.

• True
• False

Answer: False

Explanation: PL-500 Power Automate RPA Developer exam does cover the concepts of creating a cloud flow that triggers a desktop flow.

Can the cloud and desktop flow be created in different accounts?

• True
• False

Answer: False

Explanation: It’s important to create and connect the cloud and desktop flow in the same account to provide and maintain accessibility of flows.

Is Internet connection necessary to trigger the desktop flow from the cloud flow?

• True
• False

Answer: True

Explanation: Internet connection is required for the synchronization of cloud flow and desktop flow and for smooth running of the triggers.

Can multiple desktop flows be triggered from a single cloud flow?

• True
• False

Answer: True

Explanation: A single cloud flow can be programmed to trigger multiple desktop flows as needed.

Does the running of the desktop flow impact the status of the cloud flow?

• True
• False

Answer: False

Explanation: The running of the desktop flow doesn’t affect the status of the cloud flow. They run independently despite being connected.

Can inputs received from the cloud flow be used in the desktop flow?

• True
• False

Answer: True

Explanation: The input parameters from the cloud flow can be sent to the desktop flow and can be used in the flow.

Interview Questions

What is a cloud flow in Microsoft Power Automate?

A cloud flow is an automated workflow that uses a trigger to initiate actions, loops, or conditions. When an event occurs, the flow carries out its duties and eliminates the need for manual repetition of tasks.

What is a desktop flow in Microsoft Power Automate?

A desktop flow is a powerful form of automation in Power Automate that can automate tasks on your local machines, like a desktop computer or laptop. These tasks can range from simple to complex and involve various forms of software.

How can you integrate a cloud flow with a desktop flow?

Integration of a cloud flow with a desktop flow can be achieved by using the “Run a flow” action in Power Automate Desktop. This enables the cloud flow to trigger a desktop flow and gather data from its execution.

What steps need to be taken to create a cloud flow that calls a desktop flow?

First, create a cloud flow in Power Automate. From the cloud flow actions, select “Run a Flow” action. Specify the desktop flow you would like to run by providing the flow’s unique identifier. This will ensure that the cloud flow calls the appropriate desktop flow.

What types of tasks can be performed using a desktop flow in Microsoft Power Automate?

Desktop flows can perform tasks such as filling out forms, extracting data from documents or websites, interacting with software applications, and many more tasks that you might do on your local machine.

Is it possible to pass data between cloud flows and desktop flows?

Yes, it is possible to pass data between cloud flows and desktop flows. You can define inputs when you create the desktop flow and these input variables can be used by the cloud flow to pass data into it.

Does running a desktop flow require the user to be logged in?

No, a desktop flow can run even if the user is not logged in, as long as the machine is on and connected to the network.

Can a desktop flow be scheduled to run at a specific time?

Yes, with Power Automate, you can create a schedule in the cloud flow to trigger the desktop flow at a specific time.

How many desktop flows can be run simultaneously with a cloud flow?

The number of desktop flows that can be run simultaneously depends on the resources available on the machine running the desktop flows.

Can I run a desktop flow on a machine other than the one on which it was created?

Yes, you can run a desktop flow on any machine for which you have the Power Automate Desktop app and the flow installed.