Unable to start FlaUI automatically for Windows Recorder

Cause

This issue affects Katalon Studio 11.1.0 and later when you start Windows Recorder or run Windows desktop tests without defining a value in Desktop Driver URL.

When Desktop Driver URL is not specified in Windows desired caps, Katalon Studio starts a local FlaUI server automatically and sends a GET to http://127.0.0.1:<port>/status for status verification. In KS v11.1.0 or later, the status check is having issues, hence Windows Recorder session cannot begin.

Solution

Start the FlaUI driver manually, then specify that server in Windows desired caps.

Follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (MacOS/Linux) in the following directory:

Katalon_Installation_Folder\configuration\resources\extensions\FlaUIWebDriver

2. Run the following command to host the server at http://127.0.0.1:4723:

FlaUI.WebDriver.exe --urls=http://127.0.0.1:4723 --environment=Production

3. In Katalon Studio, go to Project > Settings > Desired Capabilities > Windows.
4. In Desktop Driver URL, paste http://127.0.0.1:4723.
5. Save the settings, then start Windows Recorder or run your Windows desktop test again.