Power Automate Desktop Licensing File

| License Type | Model | Approximate Monthly Cost | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | (Add-on if not already included) | Per user / month | $15.00 | | Unattended RPA (Standard) | Per machine / month | $150.00 | | Unattended RPA (High-density / Hosted) | Per hosted process | $250.00 - $500.00 |

This report is structured for IT managers, finance departments, and compliance officers.

The entire licensing model for Power Automate Desktop hinges on two primary modes of operation. Before analyzing costs or subscriptions, you must define the use case.

| Subscription Plan | Desktop Flows (Attended) | | :--- | :--- | | | ✅ Included | | Microsoft 365 E3 | ✅ Included (requires separate "Process" license or modern work plan) * | | Power Automate Premium (standalone) | ✅ Included | | Power Apps Premium | ✅ Included | | Dynamics 365 Enterprise | ✅ Included | | Office 365 E1/E3 | ❌ Not included (requires upgrade or add-on) |

If you're interested in trying out Power Automate Desktop, Microsoft offers a free trial plan that allows you to create and run automated workflows with a limited number of runs per day. Additionally, the Power Automate Community Plan provides a free, limited-time plan for individuals to try out Power Automate, including Power Automate Desktop.

Disclaimer: Microsoft licensing changes frequently. While the "inclusion" in M365 E3/E5 is the current standard, specific government (GCC), educational, and non-profit SKUs may have different entitlements. Always verify specific SKU details via the Microsoft licensing calculator or a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP).

Microsoft Power Automate Desktop (PAD) is a robust tool for automating desktop and web-based processes. However, its licensing structure is distinct from other Microsoft services because it bridges the gap between standard office productivity and advanced Robotic Process Automation (RPA).