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Override Outlook connector looking for AntiVirus

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Posted on by byrnep

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When we try to use the Outlook automation in Power Automate Desktop, running on Windows Server 2016 we get an error message that requests that the user approve the sending of the email. Obviously, this is not going to work with an unattended automation.

Ironically, the error message is happening because of security settings in the Trust Center of Outlook to prevent automations.

It looks like in order to remove this error Outlook needs to know whether or not anti-virus software is installed on the Operating System. This information is not available in Windows Server (by design) so Outlook defaults to requiring permission to send for an automation.

TL;DR below:

Is there a way to change the registry (or wherever the setting Outlook is checking is normally located in a Window Desktop version) that I can manually set to convince Outlook that there is anti-virus installed and let the automation work without intervention?

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/i-get-warnings-about-a-program-accessing-email-address-information-or-sending-email-on-my-behalf-86cc5ece-379e-45e3-b8eb-3fefba09946b?ns=outlook&version=19&syslcid=1033&uilcid=1033&appver=zol190&helpid=olmain11.chm553714171&ui=en-us&rs=en-us&ad=us

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/troubleshoot/security/outlook-trust-center-shows-antivirus-status-as-unavailable

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Power Automate Desktop

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Henrik_M 2,021 Super User 2024 Season 1 on at

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You need to change this setting inside Outlook:
byrnep 218 on at

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I realize this. As I mentioned below from my original post.

I don't have the option to do change the setting in Outlook, as I'm running on Windows Server.

It looks like in order to remove this error Outlook needs to know whether or not anti-virus software is installed on the Operating System. This information is not available in Windows Server (by design) so Outlook defaults to requiring permission to send for an automation.
yoko2020 495 on at

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@byrnep
@Henrik_M Already gave the solution. That setting does not depend on whether you use windows server or windows 10.

Note :
- You need to have administrator permission to do that setting.
- That setting will be reset to default every time you update office 365, so you need to do that setting again.
byrnep 218 on at

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I don't believe that is true. According to this the version of windows you use does matter. Hence my question asking if there is another way.
Cause
Windows Security Center is not supported on server operating system versions. For this reason Outlook is unable to check antivirus status when installed on a Windows Server.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/troubleshoot/security/outlook-trust-center-shows-antivirus-status-as-unavailable#cause
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MichaelAnnis 5,727 Moderator on at

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Could you do this manually one time to get to this screen?

If so, a little trial and error:
Option 1) On the dropdown where it says "10 minutes", is there an option for "Forever" or "Always". This may prevent it from coming back in the future.

Option 2) If you can't find an "Always" option, what about unchecking the box, and then clicking allow? I wonder if that negates the timer so this box won't return.

Option 3) Capture the window (I am going to call it %Warning%) and write the flow to do the following:
Wait for Window %Warning% Fail after # seconds (the number of seconds should be double however long it usually takes for the window to appear.
If Window %Warning% exists
Send Keys {LShiftKey}({Tab}){Enter} 'this will select the "Allow" icon
End If

This might put a little delay in the bot, but it should get you what you need.

Good luck!
byrnep 218 on at

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For 1 and 2, from memory I don't think it's possible. For 3, that has promise. Thanks very much!
TAKO 19 on at

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Hi,
I am experiencing the same problem.
I have set up my Desktop flow:
1. open Outlook
2. send email message via Outlook - if error then jump to the subflow 3

3. if the window contains the UI element (of the window with the virus protection programme)
3.1 Send keyboard command {LShiftKey}({Tab}){Enter}

However, it does not jump from step 3 to the subflow. Since the window is not focussed (my assumption), the send keyboard command does not work either.
How have you mapped this in detail in the flow?

I am very happy about your help!