Microsoft's 365 suite is about to unveil fresh applications for Windows 11 - Here's a sneak peek at the upcoming additions
In August 2025, Microsoft rolled out three new companion apps for Microsoft 365 on Windows 11. The apps, including People, File Search, and Calendar, are designed as lightweight productivity tools to help users quickly access contacts, find files, and manage calendar events directly from the taskbar.
These apps are now automatically installed and pinned on the Windows 11 taskbar for Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise subscribers. The official launch and broader rollout are planned for August 2025.
The People app allows users to quickly look up anyone in their enterprise, browse organizational charts, view contact information, and easily communicate with colleagues. It's important to note that this app requires users to be part of a Microsoft 365 plan that includes Teams.
The File Search app enables users to quickly find Microsoft 365 files, preview file contents, send files to colleagues, and easily access recently used documents. It gathers information from OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, and other services.
The Calendar app lets users quickly access their Microsoft 365 calendar, view upcoming events, join meetings, and search appointments directly from the Windows taskbar.
Each of these apps focuses on specific areas within the Microsoft 365 suite and is powered by Microsoft Graph, which can access data from Microsoft 365, Microsoft Entra, and other Microsoft cloud services.
Heavy usage of Microsoft 365 apps can result in a massive amount of data that can be difficult to sort through. The search functionality in the Microsoft 365 companion apps is robust and flexible, allowing users to search for contacts by name, title, location, department, or skills.
The new Microsoft 365 apps include OneDrive, Teams, Copilot, SharePoint, Exchange, and Loop. At the moment, these apps are limited to Windows 11. To use the companion apps, you need to be part of the Microsoft 365 Insider Program for Business.
These apps are part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to simplify the process by bringing together information from across the Microsoft 365 suite. Several newer features aim to achieve this, making it easier for users to navigate and manage their work.
[References] [1] Microsoft (2025). Microsoft 365 Companion Apps for Windows 11. [Online]. Available: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business/blog/2025/08/01/microsoft-365-companion-apps-for-windows-11/ [2] ZDNet (2025). Microsoft rolls out People, File Search, and Calendar apps for Windows 11. [Online]. Available: https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-rolls-out-people-file-search-and-calendar-apps-for-windows-11/ [3] TechRadar (2025). Microsoft launches new People, File Search, and Calendar apps for Windows 11. [Online]. Available: https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-launches-new-people-file-search-and-calendar-apps-for-windows-11 [4] The Verge (2025). Microsoft's new People, File Search, and Calendar apps for Windows 11 are now available. [Online]. Available: https://www.theverge.com/2025/08/01/23301458/microsoft-people-file-search-calendar-apps-windows-11-release [5] PCWorld (2025). Microsoft 365 Companion Apps for Windows 11: What You Need to Know. [Online]. Available: https://www.pcworld.com/article/3784740/microsoft-365-companion-apps-for-windows-11-what-you-need-to-know.html
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