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"Power Automate needs an update" message occurs when opening Power Automate for desktop

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This article provides a resolution for an issue where Power Automate for desktop needs an update, but it can't be updated.

Applies to:   Power Automate

Symptoms

When you try to open Power Automate for desktop for the first time, you receive the following message:

Power Automate needs an update, but we're unable to apply the update right now.

Screenshot of the message that states Power Automate needs an update but we're unable to apply the update right now.

Verifying issue

  1. Check if you have an active internet connection.
  2. Go to Windows Services and check if the Windows Update service isn't running.

Cause

This issue might occur because the Windows Update service isn't running or is disabled.

Resolution

To solve this issue, take one of these options:

Option 1

  1. Go to Windows Services and enable the Windows Update service.
  2. Launch Power Automate.

Option 2

  1. Open the Settings app in Windows.
  2. Select System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter and wait for it to complete.
  4. Launch Power Automate.

Option 3

  1. Uninstall Power Automate.
  2. Open Microsoft Store and install Power Automate.