At the start of this month, whispers in the tech community hinted at Microsoft’s development of a new People app for Windows 11, following the discontinuation of its predecessor. Now, the spotlight has shifted to another intriguing addition: the File Search Companion app, designed to seamlessly integrate file searching into the Windows taskbar.
Introducing File Search Companion
The File Search Companion is part of the broader Microsoft 365 Companion suite, which has recently come into view. Although Microsoft has yet to make an official announcement regarding this app, it is available for download, specifically for users with work or school accounts, as personal Microsoft accounts are currently unsupported. While detailed information about its functionalities remains scarce, the built-in FAQ offers a glimpse into its capabilities.
The app presents itself with a straightforward promise:
File Search Companion is an app that brings files right to your Windows taskbar. With one click, you can search for files without losing your context. Find files most relevant to your current work, recent and shared files, and more.
Visuals shared by EpicB on X provide additional insight into the app’s interface. Users can pin the app to their taskbar, and upon clicking its icon, a compact window emerges featuring a search bar alongside various filters for efficient navigation, including categories like Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and more. This functionality bears resemblance to Windows Search, albeit with a more streamlined approach.
Notably, the File Search Companion operates as a WebView2 app, similar to the recently updated People Companion app, which has also undergone a redesign with a new icon.
As the tech world awaits further confirmation from Microsoft regarding both the People Companion and File Search Companion apps, users with work or school accounts are encouraged to explore this new tool. The FAQ section indicates that sharing the download link for the Microsoft 365 Companion app is permissible, inviting users to take a proactive step in enhancing their productivity.
