- Mini set apps all with Windows 11: People, File Search and Calendar.
- Automatic deployment by channels (Beta and Preview) and admin control.
- Quick access: search for contacts, locate documents, and join meetings.
Microsoft 365 companions It is a set of Mini-applications designed to have the essentials of your work just a click away, directly from the taskbar Windows 11Instead of jumping between windows or losing track, these lightweight apps allow you to check contacts, search for documents or view your calendar without looking up from the desk. All of this is based on the power of Microsoft Graph to deliver results contextual and fast.
The pack starts with three companions: People, File Search, and Calendar. Its main objective is to reduce friction in daily tasks like finding a colleague, previewing a file or joining a meeting, saving time and staying focusedBelow, we'll explain in detail what they include, how they're deployed, who can receive them, what you'll see on your device, and how to configure them to your liking.
What is Microsoft 365 Companions and what does it include?
Microsoft 365 Companions It is a set of light applications that integrate with your Microsoft 365 subscription to provide shortcuts from the Windows 11 taskbar. The idea is that you don't have to open full applications for quick queries.: everything happens in compact windows, with the most useful information at hand.
The three included applications In this phase they are: People, File Search and Calendar. Each one solves a very specific problem: Locate and communicate with someone in your organization in seconds, find and share recent files without opening other clients, and keep control of your events with immediate actions such as joining meetings.
The default behavior After installation, the three companions will automatically launch with the system. If you prefer to decide when to launch them, you can easily disable this automatic launch from each app's settings, as explained below.
The experience is optimized for Windows 11 on desktop computers. There are no versions for Windows 10 or mobile devices at this time, and Microsoft emphasizes that these mini apps They have been designed to take full advantage of the latest system environment and performance..
Included apps and key features
Each companion tackles repetitive everyday tasks with a minimalist interface and clear shortcuts.. Below we detail everything you can do with People, File Search, and Calendar, including options and Tricks availables.
People: find, meet and contact
People allows you to locate anyone in your organization in seconds. and view useful information about their profile without opening other apps. It's ideal for when you need a phone number, someone's job title, or to confirm who you're working with.
- Advanced keyword search: Enter your name, title, location, department, project, or skills, and the app will return relevant matches from your organization's directory.
- Complete profiles: When you select a person, you'll see their role, contact information, and additional details that help you understand their context within the company.
- Navigable organizational chart: Hover over a contact and choose “Navigate to org chart” to navigate through the hierarchical structure at a glance.
- Favorites within reach: From the More options menu, you can “Add to Favorites” to keep your most frequent contacts at hand (and remove them from the favorite list when you no longer need them).
- Availability and contextBadges tell you if someone is available. Hovering over their photo will show you details such as their working hours, time zone, or work location.
- Quick actions with Teams and email- Send a quick message in Teams, start a video call, or compose an email directly from the contact, without opening other cumbersome windows.
In short, People centralizes your colleagues' information. and puts communication (chat, calls, or email) just a click away, with the organization's structure always visible to guide you.
File Search: find, filter, preview, and share
The File Search companion brings together your recent documents and searches. in a lightweight dashboard, avoiding the need to open browsers or desktop clients just to locate something. It supports key services in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
- Unified Search on OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, and other services connected to your Microsoft 365 account. You can locate by file name or even by content.
- Quick start with recently used files on the main page, perfect for picking up right where you left off.
- Powerful filters By people and relationship type: Combine a contact with descriptors like “Created,” “Shared,” “Edited,” or “@Mentioned” to narrow down your results.
- Instant Preview by hovering over and selecting “Preview,” without opening full apps just to take a look.
- Share in seconds From the More Actions menu, share directly or generate a “Copy Link” ready to paste wherever you want.
- Opening preferences: In Settings > File Preferences you can choose whether to open by default in “Desktop” (default) or in “Explorer”.
Its strength lies in the combination of context, filters and preview.Once you get used to it, you avoid opening multiple apps or tabs: you search, review, share, and get on with your business without losing focus.
Calendar: Keep your events at hand, join meetings, and search for appointments
The Calendar companion shows you your Microsoft 365 calendar in a compact view. which opens from the taskbar, with the controls needed on a daily basis.
- Consultation and control of upcoming events from your Microsoft 365 calendar in one quick, clear view.
- Enter meetings with one click directly from the view, without opening the full client.
- Day or Agenda View: Switch between a day view or a summary list as you prefer.
- Meeting search and quick actions like editing, chatting with attendees, or copying the meeting link.
- Details of each appointment: By selecting it, you will be able to see all the relevant information quickly.
- Searches related to Teams: Search by organizer, attendees, or title to quickly find the right thread.
The key to Calendar is that it prevents context switching: Query, filter, and join in a discreet interface that doesn't interrupt your focus.
Availability, requirements and scope
Microsoft 365 Companions is in beta and its availability is being progressively released. For now, access is limited to administrators who have opted to include their organization in this preliminary experience.
Exclusively for Windows 11 on desktops: Apps are designed for this system, and there are no versions for Windows 10. Microsoft also notes that Windows 10 is approaching end of support, and its performance is slower in comparison.
For now, there are no mobile versions.: The company confirms that these mini apps are focused on the desktop, where the taskbar makes them easy to access.
Requirements and subscription: These apps integrate with your Microsoft 365 environment. Some features may require an Personal or Family subscription, according to the product notes. Microsoft has also announced that Copilot with business data protection It's available to college students and those over 18 with educational accounts, even in free versions; although this feature is not part of Companions.
Implementation and deployment schedule
Installation is performed automatically for eligible users and is part of the Microsoft 365 update process. When your organization and update channel are ready, the Companions pack will be installed without any intervention.
Microsoft has announced the release schedule: at Beta Channel is available from April 1th 2025, And in the Preview Channel from the June 5th, 2025 going forward. If your company participates in these channels, you'll see the apps arrive on schedule.
Who can receive them?: These apps are available to supported users in the Microsoft ecosystem. To verify if your plan and edition are eligible, administrators can check the list of supported product IDs with the Office Deployment Tool (Click-to-Run).
After installation: People, File Search, and Calendar they start automatically when Windows starts up so you always have them handy. You can also disable it in each app's individual settings if you prefer.
To facilitate its continued use, Can pin icons to the taskbar by right-clicking and selecting “Pin to taskbar.” Administrators can also manage this setting centrally.
Control, settings, and how to opt out
Administrators can prevent automatic installation from the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center by following a few simple steps under Device customization > Settings > Modern apps.
- Log in in the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center with admin permissions.
- Browse a Device customization > Settings > Modern apps.
- Choose “Microsoft 365 add-in apps (preview)” and uncheck “Enable automatic installation.”
Each user can adjust their experience in each app, disabling auto-start from the internal settings option.
To keep them always visible, Can pin them to the taskbar by right-clicking its icon and selecting “Pin to taskbar.” Administrators can also manage this setting centrally.
To send commentsMicrosoft has enabled a button in the top right corner of each app, next to the account manager, to facilitate suggestions and improvements.
Updates and differences compared to Word or Excel
Mini apps receive regular updates with new features and improvements. Microsoft maintains a rapid pace to incorporate feedback and refine the experience.
The upgrade process of these companions is independent of traditional applications such as Word or Excel, managed with a different cycle within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Microsoft fosters transparency and community: you can join his Community Hub to find out about news, ask questions, and follow related announcements.
in daily use, you'll notice frequent small improvements, from interface changes to new filters or shortcuts that simplify repetitive tasks.
Microsoft 365 Companions brings what matters to your taskbarContacts, documents, and calendar are available for quick access, with immediate actions like sending messages, previewing files, or joining meetings. Through channel rollout (Beta starting April 1, 4, Preview starting June 2025, 5), administrator settings, and a focus on Windows 6, these mini apps offer more efficient work with fewer clicks, right where your workday happens: on your desktop.
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