Overview

• Microsoft has begun a general availability rollout of three new Microsoft 365 companion apps—People, File Search and Calendar—to Windows 11 business subscribers.
• The apps automatically install with existing Microsoft 365 applications by default and launch at startup, though administrators can block installation and users can opt out of auto-launch.
• Powered by Microsoft Graph and Microsoft Entra, the companions surface enterprise contacts via org charts, enable cross-service file search with previews and share options, and provide calendar views with meeting join capabilities.
• Initial availability is through the Microsoft 365 Insider Program for Business and business channels, reflecting the updated August 11 roadmap, before expanding more broadly in August 2025.
• Organizations require appropriate Microsoft 365 licensing and Entra permissions to access the apps, and Microsoft has not announced plans for third-party integrations or mobile versions at this stage.