Our verdict
Being tested. An editor is using Microsoft Power Automate hands-on; the verdict and score appear here once they sign it off.
What it does
Power Automate is Microsoft’s automation tool. It builds “flows” that run when something happens, such as an email arriving or a form being sent, and desktop flows can repeat clicks and typing on a Windows PC. Copilot builds a first version of a flow from a plain-English description.
It suits organisations that already use Microsoft 365, Teams and SharePoint, because it connects to them directly.
Why use it
- Basic flows with standard connectors are free for work or school accounts and included with selected Microsoft 365 plans.
- Copilot drafts a flow from a description in everyday language.
- Desktop flows can repeat clicks and typing in older Windows software that has no connector.
- Approvals and alerts reach you in Teams and in the phone app.
How it works
- Sign in to Power Automate with your work Microsoft account.
- Describe what you want to automate to Copilot, or start from a template.
- Check each step and connection it sets up.
- Test the flow, then turn it on.
- Watch the run history and fix any step that fails.
How hard is it to use?
Intermediate Some set-up, or a little practice, to get good results.
Simple flows from templates are quick, but conditions, data handling and the licensing rules take some learning, so we rate it Intermediate.
What it costs
Free basics; paid plans. Basic use with standard connectors is free for work or school accounts and included with selected Microsoft 365 plans. Paid Premium licences add premium connectors, flow sharing, fuller desktop automation and AI credits, and Process licences add unattended automation.
Prices change often, so check Microsoft Power Automate’s own site before you pay.
Watch out for
- Premium connectors need a paid licence, sometimes for every person who runs the flow.
- Premium flows can be turned off if their owner leaves or their licence lapses, so plan who owns important flows.
- Copilot’s drafts can be wrong: test every flow before you rely on it.
Your data
Your flows run in the data centre region of your organisation’s Power Platform environment, and the UK is one of the regions. Copilot is on by default in UK-region environments; for how it handles your data, see Microsoft’s Copilot data security FAQ for Power Platform.
Microsoft Power Automate can keep your data in the UK.