How to run UI automation/surface automation scripts in windows 7/10/11 new virtual desktop feature

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I am working on an automation script which has a few Windows-based apps as underlying apps. I am using FlaUI. It is working fine on the default desktop, but when I run my script in a new child virtual desktop without switching to it, it is failing, I think.

I think the UI elements are not visible on an inactive desktop. Can anyone please help me make UI automation work in an inactive desktop? Any suggestion will be helpful.

What I have tried:

I tested it in Windows 7 (creating child desktops using CreateDesktop API). I also tested it in a new virtual desktop feature in Win 10/11. But the result was the same.

Posted 24-Jan-22 3:44am

Member 11584373

Updated 24-Jan-22 4:58am

Sean Ewington

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Dave Kreskowiak · Answer 1 · 2022-01-24T03:52:00

Solution 1

AFAIK, you can't. An inactive Desktop does not receive the input focus, and therefor automation of those controls cannot work.

I could be wrong...

Posted 24-Jan-22 3:52am

Dave Kreskowiak