Power Automate Cloud Flows vs Desktop Flows: Choosing the Right Fit
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Cloud flows connect modern services through APIs, while desktop flows automate legacy interfaces. Hybrid designs combine both for resilient automation.
TL;DR
Power Automate cloud flows run in Microsoft’s cloud and connect APIs, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Dataverse and Teams. Desktop flows run on machines or virtual machines and simulate user actions in legacy applications without APIs. Hybrid workflows can validate and approve data in the cloud before handing it to an unattended desktop flow.
Original on M365 FM Podcast. Read the original · suggested by Mirko Peters
This is our own summary, not a republication or full translation.
Governance takeaway
- Makers: Choose cloud flows for API-connected services and desktop flows for legacy interfaces without APIs, reducing brittle designs.
- Admins/CoE: Distinguish attended from unattended desktop execution and build monitoring and exception handling for autonomous runs.
- Security/Compliance: Use cloud-based policy checks and human routing before desktop bots enter approved data into legacy systems.
Frequently asked questions
When should Power Automate use a cloud flow instead of a desktop flow?
Use a cloud flow for APIs, Microsoft 365 services, connectors and cloud orchestration. Use a desktop flow when legacy interfaces lack modern integration endpoints.
What is the difference between attended and unattended Power Automate desktop flows?
Attended flows run beside a human who triggers and monitors them. Unattended flows run autonomously on schedules or backend events without a logged-in operator.
How can a Power Automate cloud flow hand work to a desktop flow?
A cloud flow can capture an event, validate data and route approvals, then pass transaction data to a desktop flow for legacy-system entry.