Microsoft is rolling out a new set of lightweight tools for Windows 11, designed exclusively for Microsoft 365 subscribers. Dubbed “Companion apps,” these mini-programs reside directly on the taskbar, providing users with quick access to common tasks without requiring the opening of full apps or navigating through the web.
The first wave includes three companions. File Search, which will make it easier to locate and preview documents created in Microsoft 365, view recent files, and share them directly. The calendar integrates with Microsoft’s own calendar service, allowing users to search for appointments or jump straight into meetings from the taskbar. Meanwhile, People is aimed squarely at businesses, offering organizational charts, contact details, and quick messaging for colleagues, even though this one requires a subscription plan with Teams included.
For personal users, the usefulness may vary. File Search could save time if it works as promised, but it only covers Microsoft 365 documents rather than all files. Calendar integration won’t help much if you rely on Google or another service. The People app offers little value outside larger organizations.
Currently, the features are being tested through the Microsoft 365 Insider Program for Business, but they’ll be rolling out more broadly soon. When that happens, they’ll appear on the taskbar automatically after a Microsoft 365 update. By default, the icons will load at startup, though users will have the option to disable this behavior.