Microsoft confirmed that it plans to automatically install three Microsoft 365 companion apps for business users on Windows 11, including People (Contacts), Calendar (Calendar) and File Search (File Search). This change is mainly targeted at enterprise devices that have Microsoft 365 desktop client installed, and ordinary individual users will not be affected for the time being. Microsoft said that these applications integrate the Copilot artificial intelligence assistant, which can significantly improve office efficiency.
Previously, Microsoft first announced these three companion apps in March 2025 and emphasized that they are optional plug-ins and are only available to business users who really need them. When Microsoft's official documentation was updated in August this year, it also stated that these applications can be downloaded and deployed by all enterprises, and did not mention automatic installation. However, in October this year, Microsoft's strategy changed and became "unless you actively choose to opt out, these applications will be installed by default."
According to news released by Microsoft in the Admin Center, starting from the end of October 2025, Windows 11 devices that have the Microsoft 365 desktop client installed will automatically deploy three companion applications, People, Files, and Calendar. These applications will be directly integrated into the taskbar with the goal of simplifying daily collaboration processes, improving focus, reducing context switching, and speeding up task completion.
Specific functions of the three major Copilot companion applications:
People (Contacts): This is a new web-based application (not the old version of People in Windows 10), used to quickly view colleague information cards. For example, you can view employee contact information and position distribution with one click during a meeting.
File Search: Provides users with faster access to Microsoft 365 cloud files. After integrating the Copilot assistant, you only need to describe the content to find files, without entering the precise file name.
Calendar: You can access Outlook calendar, Teams meetings and Copilot intelligent collaboration to realize meeting summary, progress follow-up and automatic collaboration.
Microsoft said that the most valuable aspect of the three applications is the integration of Copilot, which can achieve intelligent assistance whether it is document summarization, meeting follow-up, or team collaboration.
Auto-installed apps will appear in the Start menu by default, providing users with fast access to contacts, files and calendar data on Microsoft Graph. Automatic installation does not require user interaction. If the enterprise IT administrator needs to prevent it, follow the steps below:
Open the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center.
Go to "Customization" > "Device Configuration" > "Modern Apps" and select "Microsoft 365 Companion App".
Turn off "Enable automatic installation of Microsoft 365 companion apps and Microsoft 365 apps".
The changes will take effect after the settings are completed.
It is worth noting that this forced installation policy only applies to Windows 11, and Windows 10 users will not be affected for the time being. Microsoft said the mandatory promotion will start at the end of October and is expected to be completed in December this year. If the user fails to exit in time, the app can still be removed through settings after installation and prevents Microsoft from subsequently trying to reinstall it.
Currently, this policy only affects corporate and organizational accounts, and personal Microsoft accounts will not automatically receive the above applications. But these companion apps are likely to be open to ordinary consumers in the future.