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Important
Some of the functionality described in this release plan has not been released. Delivery timelines may change and projected functionality may not be released (see Microsoft policy). Learn more: What's new and planned
| Enabled for | Public preview | General availability |
|---|---|---|
| Admins, makers, marketers, or analysts, automatically | Aug 2026 | - |
Business value
Today, scheduling a desktop flow requires an indirect and complex setup: users must create a cloud flow with a schedule trigger, connect it to their desktop flow, and configure the machine or machine group separately. This process increases friction, introduces duplication, and makes it hard to understand what is scheduled to run, when it will run, and where it will run. This complexity reduces automation value for both free and premium org users who expect scheduling to be a simple, built‑in capability of desktop automation.
The new Schedules for desktop flows capability solves this problem by allowing users to schedule desktop flows natively, without cloud flows. Users can create schedules directly from Automation Center in Power Automate, which they already use for desktop flows, simplifying automation operations. The Automation Center displays all schedules, machines, machine groups, and associated flows in one unified view, eliminating "hidden schedules" buried inside cloud flows and improving central visibility and governance. Additionally, there's reduced maintenance, with fewer moving parts, fewer dependencies, and reduced troubleshooting effort. Reliability also improves because schedules are attached to flows and their assigned execution resources directly, so organizations avoid trigger failures caused by misconfigured or deleted cloud flows.
Feature details
This feature introduces a first‑class scheduling experience in Power Automate.
Key capabilities
Create schedules directly for desktop flows: Schedules can be attached directly to desktop flows without needing a cloud flow as an intermediary trigger.
Unified schedules list in Automation Center: A new “Schedules” area provides a complete overview of:
- All schedules in the environment.
- The desktop flows each schedule runs.
- The machines or machine groups assigned for execution.
- Upcoming, active runs.
This consolidation offers a transparent, centralized command center for timed automation.
Direct binding to machines and machine groups: Schedules can directly select the machine or machine group responsible for running the flow.
Elimination of cloud‑flow dependencies: Simplifies the scheduling process.
Geographic areas
Visit the Explore Feature Geography report for Microsoft Azure areas where this feature is planned or available.
Language availability
Visit the Explore Feature Language report for information on this feature's availability.