Taming the Managed Solution Beast - How to Update Environment Variables

Introduction

Environment variables are essential for configuring Power Platform applications. But what if you need to change a value in a deployed managed solution? The standard methods can be restrictive. This guide unveils a smoother approach to conquer this challenge.

Problem

Imagine a robust canvas app that leverages an environment variable to connect to a data source. It functions flawlessly in development. However, deploying it to a different environment reveals a critical issue: the environment variable retains its development value.

The Frustration Cycle:

1. Direct Editing Roadblock: Modifying the environment variable directly within the managed solution is a dead end – it’s locked.

2. Web Search Labyrinth: Online resources can be confusing, with outdated information or incomplete solutions.

3. Redeployment Loop: Redeploying the solution might seem like the answer, but the variable values often remain unchanged.

But wait! There’s a better solution without breaking your managed solution. Here’s our secret weapon: We will change it in the Tables where Power Platform stores it.

Solution

To fix make changes just follow these steps:

1. Go to https://make.powerautomate.com/
2. Go to the target environment where the manage solution is stored

3. Then select “All” to show all available tables
4. Then try to find the table called “Environment Variable Value”
5. This is where Power Platform store the environment variables being used in the current environment.
6. Find the Environment variable you wanted to edit, then hit Edit and then select “Edit row using form.

Just like that, your app will be singing with its newfound connection to the correct dragon!

7. You should be now be able to type the new values you wanted to put in.

Remember: While modifying tables directly can work, it’s important to exercise caution. This approach bypasses the managed solution’s controlled configuration, potentially leading to inconsistencies or unintended consequences.