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Microsoft’s Windows 11 People and File Search companions were not sold as separate apps: eligible commercial Microsoft 365 or Office 365 licenses included them at no extra charge. But they are now scheduled for retirement. Microsoft says the Calendar, People, and Files companions will become nonfunctional before December 16, 2026, so buying or renewing a license is not a way to get a lasting app.
What “paid” meant for People and File Search
The apps were gated by commercial Microsoft 365 licensing, rather than by a separate purchase price. Microsoft’s retirement documentation says the companions were provided at no extra cost with eligible Microsoft 365 or Office 365 licenses. The current overview specifies a commercial license that includes both Exchange Online and SharePoint Online. Microsoft’s companion-app overview lists qualifying service plans, including Exchange Online Plan 1 and Plan 2 and Kiosk variants, as well as education SharePoint plans.
Teams was not required for basic access, but a plan without Teams had reduced functionality: some People messaging and calling features, along with some file, chat, and meeting integrations, were unavailable.
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In its March 2025 announcement, Microsoft described the preview audience as Windows 11 users with Microsoft 365 desktop apps, enrolled in the Microsoft 365 Insiders Beta channel, and using a Business or Enterprise SKU. That was the launch-stage eligibility statement, not a guarantee that every later deployment followed exactly the same rules. Microsoft’s launch announcement introduced People as a way to find and connect with colleagues, and File Search as a way to locate Microsoft 365 files, preview them, share them, and revisit recent documents.
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When the companions stop working
Microsoft says the Calendar, People, and Files companions will be fully retired and nonfunctional before December 16, 2026. An organization may remove them sooner. Microsoft also says it is no longer providing updates or fixes—including security fixes—during the retirement period. The retirement information was last updated September 17, 2026. Microsoft’s retirement notice is the source for the timeline and administrator guidance.
People and File Search are part of a larger companion-app group, which is why Microsoft’s retirement notice also names Calendar. The retirement does not delete the underlying Microsoft 365 data: files, contacts, and calendar events remain in Microsoft 365 services.
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- 4GB DDR4 System Memory; 128GB Solid State Drive
- 11.6" HD (1366 x 768) Multi-Touch Display
- Combo headphone/microphone jack - Noble Wedge Lock slot - HDMI; 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Windows 11 Pro
What to use instead
Choose a replacement according to the task. Microsoft names existing apps and services rather than claiming that one alternative duplicates every companion feature.
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|---|---|
| Find colleagues or work with people and calendar information | Outlook and Teams |
| Find and work with files | Windows Search, File Explorer, SharePoint, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Copilot |
These alternatives work with Microsoft 365 information through their own apps and services. The companion overview explains that People used organizational directory information and could connect users with external contacts they had previously interacted with through Microsoft 365 services. Files supported Microsoft 365 files, with sharing controlled by the user and access to shared locations governed by permissions; it was not a general search app for non-Microsoft files.
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- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
What users and IT administrators should do
For users
If your organization does not manage your device, you can remove the companions through Windows Settings:
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Search for Microsoft 365 companions, or search for Calendar, People, or Files.
- Select the app and choose Uninstall. Microsoft says uninstalling one companion removes the group.
If your device’s policies prevent uninstalling the apps, contact your IT administrator.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
For IT administrators
- Stop deployment through the organization’s available methods and remove existing installations from managed devices.
- Review Intune assignments and any other deployment tools so the companions are not installed again after removal.
- Direct users to the replacement apps that fit their workflows.
Microsoft says automatic installation through Microsoft 365 Apps updates stops once the retirement date is announced. Administrators should still check their own deployment assignments. The retirement guidance covers both managed and unmanaged-device removal.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
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