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Making an App standalone (without use of the Explorer)?

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Posted on by DoctorJaegerX42

Hi there,

I recently built my first app in powerapps but I'm not a a fan of using the browser for using my app on my desktop computer.

Is there any way to make it a standalone app?

For clarification: I don't want to use the app on my mobile phone.

Greetings,

Doc

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Building Power Apps

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timl 36,393 Super User 2025 Season 2 on at

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@DoctorJaegerX42

If you're using a desktop and don't want to use the browser, another option you can consider is download and use Power Apps for Windows.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-apps/mobile/windows-app-use

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Ethan_009 4,838 Moderator on at

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Hi @DoctorJaegerX42 ,

I'm not sure what you anticipate by App being standalone, but what do you want to use the App for?
If you don't want to use App on browser or Mobile

There's Desktop App as well for PowerApps, simply install the desktop version.
It looks like this

Hope this helps

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DoctorJaegerX42 95 on at

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As a former programmer in C# and other languages I always loved to make my own EXEs to run. I don't like having to use my browser as a base for running my apps. I know, it's simple to use a browser, too, but it's mostly a matter of taste.

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DoctorJaegerX42 95 on at

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In my daily work I use a business partner list which I created in excel as a base for making calls or writing emails. I always leave the list opened up on my 4th screen. Since I started to fiddle around with powerapps some days ago I found, that this little app is a bit faster and more convenient for my workstyle than an old excel list or using outlook contacts. Plus, I like making my own solutions for little improvements.

The idea is to start up my pc in the morning and this app fires up as well, sits calmly on the 4th screen ready to use.

I know, it only spares a couple of clicks but I'm sure you understand my intention.

And as I mentioned in the other reply, I like to have standalone apps like little exe-files which I can fire up and don't have the UI of Microsoft Edge sitting there all the time.

Thanks a lot for your help 🙂

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timl 36,393 Super User 2025 Season 2 on at

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@DoctorJaegerX42

Another option is to find the URL of your Power App and install it as an app. That would allow you to add a shortcut to your desktop that opens the app in a chromeless browser window.

https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Building-Power-Apps/Clicking-browser-back-button-while-editing-an-app/m-p/1343035

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Ethan_009 4,838 Moderator on at

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Hi @DoctorJaegerX42 ,

I understood, although Canvas Apps and little different to Standard Apps. They do not fire up as you expect.
But its not something I have explored and deny but the implementation of such scenarios will be quite challenging and confusing.

Well, since its not completely flexible, you surely ask on Pro Dev PowerApps community
As much as I remember you can build connection or something with Console Apps/Windows Forms and run code in the back but I haven't touched those topics yet.
There's also another MS Documentation - Identity for certain application or uses.
Another way for using your Apps as standalone using Wrap feature but as you mentioned no Mobile apps then this won't do the job. Still for reference if needed.

Hope this helps you

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DoctorJaegerX42 95 on at

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That's nearly exactly what I wanted 🙂 I installed it as an app, it fired up instantly and I even checked the "Start with windows" button. Only little thing still disturbing a bit is the PowerApps Title Bar but I doesn't disturb me that much.

The most interesting thing was not having to open up the browser all the time and having two instantes of my browser, one for normal browsing and the other one for that app.

Works like a charm now 🙂
Thanks a lot.

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DoctorJaegerX42 95 on at

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timl already posted a very good workaround that fits my needs nearly perfectly 🙂 But your suggestions sound interesting, I will give them a try and will check them later.

Thanks a lot for your time 🙂

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Ethan_009 4,838 Moderator on at

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Hi @DoctorJaegerX42 ,

Great that it works.
With respect to the Title Bar, you can pass a parameter at the end of the URL as "&hidenavbar=true" and this will remove the Title Bar.

Hope this helps

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DoctorJaegerX42 95 on at

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Wow, even better 🙂

Now it looks like this:
Any way to get rid of the grey border + the title, so I mean the window itself and just viewing the app ?

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