Microsoft to Retire Companion Apps for Windows 11
In a recent announcement, Microsoft confirmed that it will retire its Microsoft 365 companion apps for Windows 11 by December 16, 2026. This decision affects the Calendar companion, People companion, and Files companion apps, which were initially introduced at no additional cost to users with eligible Microsoft 365 or Office 365 licenses.
The Files and People companion apps made their debut in March 2025, followed by the Calendar companion app in May of the same year. Each of these applications was designed to function as “mini-apps,” operating in a compact portrait-mode window reminiscent of mobile screens. Last October, Microsoft integrated its Copilot feature into these applications, enhancing their functionality.
Despite their introduction, the rationale behind the creation of these companion apps remains somewhat ambiguous. They essentially serve as subsets of features already available in other standalone Microsoft 365 applications. The retirement announcement offers little clarity, merely stating that the apps provided “an additional way to find calendar information, people, and files.”
Microsoft has cautioned users not to wait until the official retirement date, as the companion apps will be “fully retired and non-functional” prior to December 16. Administrators managing organizational accounts have the option to remove these apps at their discretion, and Microsoft has even supplied a starter email template for those needing to inform users about this change.
For those who may find themselves longing for the functionality of the companion apps, Microsoft recommends utilizing Outlook and Teams for calendar and contact information. For file management, users are encouraged to turn to the Windows Search Box, File Explorer, SharePoint, OneDrive, and the suite of Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Additionally, Copilot remains available to assist users in locating information, even with minimal details.
