NEW Microsoft 365 companion apps: a suite designed to enhance productivity

Starting late October 2025, Microsoft 365 companion apps (People, Files, Calendar) will auto-install on Windows 11 devices with Microsoft 365, integrating Copilot for contextual AI assistance. Admins can opt out via Device Configuration. Apps enhance productivity by streamlining access to contacts, files, and meetings. Starting in late October 2025, Microsoft will begin automatically installing the Microsoft 365 companion apps—People, Files, and Calendar—on Windows 11 devices that already have Microsoft 365 desktop client apps. These taskbar-integrated apps are designed to streamline everyday workflows, helping users stay focused, reduce context switching, and complete tasks faster. With Copilot integration, users can ground their prompts in the right context—whether it’s a shared file, a meeting, or a collaborator. This integration allows users to catch up, summarize, and take action more efficiently. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 486856. When this will happen: General availability: Rollout begins late October 2025 and is expected to complete late December 2025. How this affects your organization: Who is affected: All users on Windows 11 devices with Microsoft 365 desktop client apps. What will happen: Microsoft 365 companion apps (People, Files, Calendar) will be automatically installed. Admins can opt out of automatic installation via Device Configuration settings. If Copilot pinning is not yet enabled, admins will be able to pin both Copilot and companion apps starting mid-October. If you’ve already enabled Microsoft 365 Copilot pinning in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, note that companion apps are not included in the pinning configuration at this time but you will be able to enable companions pinning starting mid-October. On devices where the apps are already installed, no visible change will occur. Installation is enabled by default and does not require user interaction. Apps will appear in the Start menu and provide quick access to people, files, and calendar data from the Microsoft Graph. What you can do to prepare: Notify users about this change via an internal announcement to set expectations. Update any relevant internal documentation to reflect the availability of these apps. If you want to opt out of automatic installation: Uncheck Enable automatic installation of Microsoft […]

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