[German]Starting in late October 2025, the Microsoft 365 companion apps—People, Files, and Calendar—will be automatically installed on Windows 11 devices with Microsoft 365 apps and will integrate Copilot for contextual AI assistance.
I 've been aware of this issue for a few days now, so most people are probably already familiar with it. However, as a precaution, I'm including it here in the blog as a short addendum for administrators of Microsoft 365 tenants.
In the announcement MC1160180 – NEW Microsoft 365 companion apps: a suite designed to enhance productivity dated September 30, 2025, Microsoft shares the details in the Microsoft 365 Message Center.
Starting at the end of October 2025, Microsoft will begin automatically installing the Microsoft 365 companion apps—People, Files, and Calendar—on Windows 11 devices that already have Microsoft 365 desktop client apps. These apps, which are integrated into the taskbar, are designed to optimize daily workflows and help users reduce context switching and complete tasks faster.
Now it has to come: "Thanks to Copilot integration, users can anchor their prompts in the right context – whether it's a shared file, a meeting, or a colleague." Microsoft's promise: This integration enables users to catch up more efficiently, create summaries, and take action.
The rollout of the apps, which will begin at the end of October 2025, is expected to be completed by the end of December 2025. The whole thing has been announced in Microsoft 365-Roadmap-ID 486856.
Administrators can keep control
The Microsoft 365 companion apps (People, Files, Calendar) are installed automatically. However, administrators can disable automatic installation via GPOs or device configuration settings.
If the Copilot app is not yet pinned, administrators can do so for both Copilot and companion apps starting in mid-October 2025. If Microsoft 365 Copilot pinning has already been enabled in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, the companion apps are not currently included in the pinning configuration, but will be available for pinning from mid-October. No visible changes will be made to devices where the apps are already installed.
he installation is enabled by default and does not require user interaction.
The apps appear in the Start menu and provide quick access to people, files, and calendar data from Microsoft Graph.
