Automate any task using Microsoft Copilot
Your computer works autonomously without writing a line of code.
Here's how to do it for free with Copilot and Power Automate:
1. Prepare Copilot
- Open Copilot (web or on Windows)
- Select creative mode
- Deactivate "Search" in plugins
For this tutorial, we don't want Copilot to access the Internet to optimize its performance.
Note:
If you don't have access to the plugins yet, this should still work.
2. Enter the prompt
Copy/paste and adapt the prompt below for the task you want to perform.
In my case, I want to automatically rename dozens of PDF files in a folder.
Prompt:
"Act as a Power Automate Desktop expert. Write all the steps involved in creating a flow to [TASK]. Detail all the steps for a complete beginner and write down each time what should appear in the action and what the user should write in the action block."
Task example:
"rename only the PDF files in my C:\Users\paulc\Documents\PDFs folder by adding the word "-final" to their name"
Copilot takes care of writing the entire process to automate the task.
3. Open Power Automate
Power Automate Desktop is a free tool from Microsoft for automating tasks:
- Windows 11: just look for "Power Automate" in the list of apps
- Windows 10: install it from the web or the Microsoft Store.
- Create a new flow by clicking in the top left-hand corner.
Important:
Don't forget to check the Power Fx box when creating the flow.
4. Follow Copilot
Just follow Copilot's instructions:
- Add actions by searching the list and dragging them to the center.
- Fill in the text fields (copy and paste)
- Don't forget to add an "=" before each item, as in Excel.
5. Deal with any errors (optional)
It may happen that Power Automate displays errors:
- Just take a screenshot of the whole of Power Automate
- Paste it into Copilot and indicate that you've had an error in an action.
Copilot analyzes your screen and automatically gives you the solution!
6. Run your flow
Click on the "Run" button at the top of your flow.
Power Automate performs the tasks you've described to Copilot!
In my case, it renames all my PDF files, adding "-final" at the end.
Note:
You can also save your flow for reuse at any time.
This tutorial may seem long, but once you've created an automation you can reuse it as often as you like.
My Copilot project is coming soon. Follow me and check my newsletter (bio) to be notified!
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