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Power Platform Community / Forums / Power Automate / launch excel in a diff...
Power Automate
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launch excel in a different instance

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Posted on by 25

Hi Community

 

I'm not sure if I felt wrongly about this. I bulit a long excel flow involving different excels in different folders.

 

Method 1:

Step1: open a excel file and extract a datable using as EXCELINSTANCE 1

Step2: close the excel file and open multiple excel and update all as EXCELINSTANCE 2

 

Method 2:

Step1: open a excel file and extract a datable using as EXCELINSTANCE 1

Step2: close the excel file and open multiple excel and update all as EXCELINSTANCE 1

 

Both methods can run without error, but can also sometimes show errors. 

I felt Method 2 gives errors more often. So i am guessing if it is better to have two instances, for different excel files that are not opened at the same time. (I read about the pros and cons of same/different EXCELINSTANCEs but what I experienced is not the same). 

  • VishnuReddy1997 Profile Picture
    2,666 Super User 2026 Season 1 on at

    Hi @VIncent_AZK ,

     

    Its always better to use different excel instances,becauses BOT will not understand to which excel it should write if you keep the same instances names.

     

    In general, using different Excel instances (EXCELINSTANCE) for different Excel files can help avoid potential conflicts or errors, especially when the files are not opened at the same time. This is because each instance operates independently and does not share resources or settings with other instances.

     

    On the other hand, using the same Excel instance for different files (as in Method 2) means that the files share the same resources and settings. This can sometimes lead to errors, especially if the files are large or complex, or if they are being accessed simultaneously.

     

    (Note:- if you got your solution you can mark as solution and gives kudos)


    Thanks & Regards

    Vishnu Reddy

  • Verified answer
    CU16071609-1 Profile Picture
    6,255 Moderator on at

    @VIncent_AZK 

     

    I won't recommend using the same instance to open different Excel files. Alternatively, you can open two separate Excel applications and assign them to different instances, which will help avoid any unwanted conflicts.

     

    Deenuji_0-1719204983386.png

     

    Thanks,
    Deenuji Loganathan 👩‍💻
    Automation Evangelist 🤖
    Follow me on LinkedIn 👥

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