*For this entry exists the more relevant or more recent entry MC1168292
check before: 2025-10-01
Product:
Copilot, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Graph, Windows
Platform:
Developer, Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
In development
Change type:
Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact
Details:
Summary:
Starting late October 2025, Microsoft 365 companion apps—People, Files, and Calendar—will auto-install on Windows 11 devices with Microsoft 365 apps, integrating Copilot for contextual AI assistance. Admins can opt out via Device Configuration. Apps enhance productivity by streamlining access to contacts, files, and meetings.
Details:
Updated September 30, 2025: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
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.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability
Created:
2025-09-26
updated:
2025-09-30
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
Please, look at the most relevant linked item for details
explanation for non-techies**
Starting in late October 2025, Microsoft will be introducing new companion apps for Microsoft 365 users on Windows 11 devices. These apps, named People, Files, and Calendar, will automatically install on devices that already have Microsoft 365 desktop apps. Think of these companion apps as new tools in your digital toolbox, designed to make your daily tasks easier and more efficient.
Imagine you have a personal assistant who knows where everything is in your office. This assistant can quickly find a document you need, remind you of meetings, and help you connect with colleagues. The new companion apps function similarly. They are integrated into your taskbar, providing quick access to your contacts, files, and calendar events, just like having a knowledgeable assistant at your fingertips.
These apps also come with Copilot, a feature that acts like a smart advisor. For example, if you're preparing for a meeting, Copilot can help you review the agenda and remind you of key points. It's like having a briefing note prepared for you, saving you time and helping you focus on what's important.
For those managing IT settings, there is an option to opt out of this automatic installation if it doesn't fit your organization's needs. This can be done through the Microsoft 365 Admin Center by adjusting the Device Configuration settings.
The People app helps you find colleagues by name, role, or location, and even allows you to start chats directly. The Files app makes it easy to locate and share documents, while the Calendar app helps you manage your schedule and join meetings with ease.
These changes are aimed at enhancing productivity by reducing the time spent switching between different tasks and applications. Just like having a well-organized desk where everything you need is within reach, these apps aim to streamline your workflow, allowing you to focus on your work rather than the tools you use to get it done.
** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2025-09-30 | MC 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 365 companion apps and Microsoft 365 Apps Choose Microsoft 365 companion apps Select Modern App settings Go to Device Configuration Learn more: Overview of Microsoft 365 companion apps - Microsoft 365 Apps | Microsoft Learn Check out the latest features here: Get Started with Microsoft 365 companion apps | Microsoft Support App highlights: People app features: Look up colleagues by name, skills, role, location and more. View profile cards, availability, and organizational charts. Send messages and start chats. Use Copilot to ask people-related questions like, What does this person work on? or Draft a message to catch up. Type freeform prompts for any colleague directly in the app. File app features: Find Microsoft 365 and locally downloaded files. Preview file content and share with colleagues. Filter by person, file type, or activity (Created, Shared, Edited, or @Mentioned). Use Copilot to summarize, catch up, and act on files. Calendar app features: Find events by organizer, attendees, or title. View agenda or day at a glance. Open meeting details and join directly from the calendar. Edit meetings, chat with participants, or copy the meeting link. Use Copilot to prepare for upcoming meetings or catch up on missed ones. [Compliance considerations:] QuestionExplanation Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Copilot integration enables contextual AI-driven assistance based on user data such as files, meetings, and contacts. Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI?Users can interact with Copilot Companions directly from the taskbar using contextual prompts grounded in Microsoft Graph data Does the change allow a user to enable and disable the feature themselves?Users can pin or unpin the apps from the taskbar once available. https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2302123 https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2310491 https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=486856 | 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: Go to Microsoft 365 App Admin Center. Navigate to Customization -> Device Configuration. Select Modern App settings Choose Microsoft 365 companion apps Uncheck Enable automatic installation of Microsoft 365 companion apps and Microsoft 365 Apps Learn more: Overview of Microsoft 365 companion apps - Microsoft 365 Apps | Microsoft Learn Check out the latest features here: Get Started with Microsoft 365 companion apps | Microsoft Support App highlights: People app features: Look up colleagues by name, skills, role, location and more. View profile cards, availability, and organizational charts. Send messages and start chats. Use Copilot to ask people-related questions like, What does this person work on? or Draft a message to catch up. Type freeform prompts for any colleague directly in the app. File app features: Find Microsoft 365 and locally downloaded files. Preview file content and share with colleagues. Filter by person, file type, or activity (Created, Shared, Edited, or @Mentioned). Use Copilot to summarize, catch up, and act on files. Calendar app features: Find events by organizer, attendees, or title. View agenda or day at a glance. Open meeting details and join directly from the calendar. Edit meetings, chat with participants, or copy the meeting link. Use Copilot to prepare for upcoming meetings or catch up on missed ones. [Compliance considerations:] QuestionExplanation Does the change introduce or significantly modify AI/ML or agent capabilities that interact with or provide access to customer data?Copilot integration enables contextual AI-driven assistance based on user data such as files, meetings, and contacts. Does the change provide end users any new way of interacting with generative AI?Users can interact with Copilot Companions directly from the taskbar using contextual prompts grounded in Microsoft Graph data Does the change allow a user to enable and disable the feature themselves?Users can pin or unpin the apps from the taskbar once available. https://config.office.com/officeSettings https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2302123 https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2310491 https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=486856 |
| 2025-09-30 | MC Summary | 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 late October 2025, Microsoft 365 companion apps—People, Files, and Calendar—will auto-install on Windows 11 devices with Microsoft 365 apps, integrating Copilot for contextual AI assistance. Admins can opt out via Device Configuration. Apps enhance productivity by streamlining access to contacts, files, and meetings. |
| 2025-09-30 | MC Last Updated | 09/26/2025 20:14:06 | 2025-09-30T23:37:36Z |
| 2025-09-30 | MC Messages | [Introduction]
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. | Updated September 30, 2025: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction] 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. |
| 2025-09-30 | MC Title | NEW Microsoft 365 companion apps: a suite designed to enhance productivity | (Updated) NEW Microsoft 365 companion apps: a suite designed to enhance productivity |
| 2025-09-30 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact |
Last updated 4 weeks ago ago
