In the upcoming weeks, Microsoft 365 companion apps are set to introduce enhanced Copilot features aimed at boosting productivity and streamlining workflows. Currently, Copilot functionality is limited to two companion apps: People and Files. However, Microsoft plans to expand its capabilities by including the Calendar app shortly. It is important to note that these companion applications are exclusively available to enterprise and business users, with no current access for Microsoft 365 Personal users.
Understanding Microsoft 365 Companion Apps
Microsoft 365 companion apps act as integral tools for enterprise users, providing immediate access to workplace functionalities directly from the taskbar. These streamlined applications facilitate swift navigation and efficient information retrieval across various organizational tools.
With just one click, users can open the “People” companion app, which offers critical contextual information about colleagues within the organization. For instance, if a user is participating in a Microsoft Teams meeting and needs to retrieve contact information for a co-worker, the People app enables quick access without disrupting the flow of the conversation. Moreover, this mini-app allows users to search for specific contacts and send instant messages, enhancing communication efforts.
The “Files” companion app is equally beneficial, allowing users to search and access files stored within their organization’s OneDrive swiftly. This functionality ensures that critical documents are always within reach, fostering an environment of productivity.
Upcoming enhancements will add Calendar capabilities, which will empower users to respond to meeting invitations and engage in chats directly from the taskbar. This integration underscores the efficiency of using Microsoft 365 companion apps to manage overlapping responsibilities seamlessly.
Microsoft emphasizes that the combination of the companion apps and Copilot features aims to elevate productivity. Yash Kamalanath, Principal Product Manager at Microsoft 365, stated, “Copilot in People and Files is available immediately, and we anticipate the Calendar integration shortly.” This commitment illustrates Microsoft’s dedication to enhancing user experience.
The integration of Copilot across these apps introduces a layer of intelligent assistance by providing instantaneous suggestions. For instance, users can quickly catch up on updates from key collaborators, highlight comments that require their attention, or summarize meetings they might have missed. As outlined in Microsoft’s latest blog post, “Begin with a simple search in a companion app and transition effortlessly to the Microsoft 365 Copilot application for comprehensive inquiries—eliminating unnecessary steps.”
While the functionality of Copilot is designed to be seamless, it currently appears that disabling it within these companion apps is not an option. Microsoft touts these AI-powered assistants as tools to enable users to accomplish tasks “lightning fast,” further emphasizing the increasing importance of integrating AI into daily workflows.
As organizations continue to grapple with cybersecurity challenges, including a 46% increase in environments experiencing password breaches, the importance of secure access to workplace tools cannot be overstated. For organizations seeking in-depth analysis and preventative strategies, the Picus Blue Report 2025 offers invaluable insights into current trends in prevention, detection, and data exfiltration. Stay informed and equipped to tackle the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.