Microsoft has begun rolling out new lightweight taskbar apps for Microsoft 365 users on Windows 11, designed to make everyday tasks faster and easier to access. These small, dedicated applications launch automatically at startup and allow quick access to contacts, file searches and calendars directly from the Windows taskbar.
New tools for faster communication and organisation
The new Microsoft 365 companion apps are being made available to business users this month. The People app enables employees to browse an organisation’s chart and quickly find colleagues within their company. Users can start a Microsoft Teams chat, make a call, or send an email directly from the taskbar without needing to open another window.
The File Search companion is designed to help users quickly locate documents. Searches can be carried out by file name, author, or other keywords, with results pulled from OneDrive, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams and Outlook. The app includes a file preview option, along with filtering and sharing features, making it easier to locate and distribute the correct document.
The Calendar app provides a streamlined view of your Microsoft 365 calendar, directly accessible from the taskbar. Users can view upcoming events, search for appointments, and join meetings without needing to open the complete Outlook application.
From beta testing to general release
All three apps have been in testing for several months, following their initial announcement at Microsoft’s Ignite conference last year. With the beta phase now complete, the company is rolling out the tools to all Microsoft 365 business users as part of a general availability release.
The apps will install automatically on Windows 11 devices where Microsoft 365 is already installed. Once active, they are set to launch automatically at startup, providing instant access to key features. However, IT administrators will have the ability to block automatic installation if desired, and individual users can disable automatic startup from their settings.
Part of Microsoft’s broader Windows 11 experience
The release of these lightweight taskbar apps aligns with Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and integration of Windows 11 for business users. By placing key Microsoft 365 functions directly within the taskbar, the company aims to reduce the need for constant switching between windows and applications, making work more streamlined.
With the rollout starting this month, Microsoft 365 users can expect to see the new People, File Search and Calendar companions appear soon, offering a faster way to connect, organise and stay on top of daily tasks.
