iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Microsoft is retiring its Windows Calendar, People, and Files companion apps on December 16, 2026. The change affects those quick-access apps—not the Microsoft 365 calendar, contacts, or files behind them. Microsoft says your information remains in Microsoft 365, where you can access it through other apps and services.
Which Microsoft apps are being retired?
The retirement covers three Microsoft 365 companion apps for Windows: Calendar, People, and Files. They provided an additional way to reach calendar information, people, and files, including taskbar-integrated quick access in Windows 11, as Windows Central reported.
These companions were available at no extra cost with eligible Microsoft 365 or Office 365 licenses. Microsoft’s announcement is about the companion apps, not the underlying calendar, contact, or file services.
Recommended Free Tools
When will the apps stop working?
Microsoft’s scheduled retirement date is December 16, 2026. The apps may stop working earlier if an organization removes them from its devices before that date. Microsoft published its retirement guidance, last updated September 17, 2026, on Microsoft Learn.
#1 Best Overall
- Brilliant Display – Stunning 13.8" PixelSense touchscreen[1], with brilliant LCD display[2], unleashes luminous whites, deeper blacks and colors so richly saturated bringing vivid life into every frame – perfect for work, school, streaming and creative tasks.
- Power that lasts all day – With 20 hours of battery life[3], the new Surface Laptop powers through your entire day, so you can create, work and stream from morning to night without reaching for a charger.
- Work at the speed of your ideas – Built with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite (12 Core) processors, Surface Laptop delivers fast, AI‑accelerated performance—making it the most powerful Surface laptop for everything from multitasking to demanding workloads.
- The ports you need – Charge on-the-go, transfer data fast, or create the ultimate desktop set up with two USB-C / USB4[4] ports.
- Built-in AI Companion – Work smarter, create freely, and communicate with confidence—Copilot[5] on Windows 11 is always there to help.
Will I lose files, meetings, or contacts?
No. Microsoft says the retirement does not delete your files, calendar events, or contacts. As Microsoft Learn puts it, “Your files, calendar events, and contacts live in your Microsoft 365 services, not in the companion apps.” You will need to use another Microsoft 365 or Windows experience to reach them.
What can I use instead of the companion apps?
Choose an alternative based on what you were trying to find or do:
Rank #2
- With 16 GB of memory, runs as many programs as you want without losing the execution
- The 13.5" 2256 x 1504 screen provides a great movie watching experience
- 512 GB SSD is enough to store your essential documents and files, favorite songs, movies and pictures
- 8 Hours battery run time helps you stay unwired and work longer non-stop
| Task | Alternatives Microsoft lists |
|---|---|
| Calendar information | Outlook or Teams |
| People and contact information | Outlook or Teams |
| Files on your device or across Microsoft 365 | Windows Search, File Explorer, SharePoint, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or other Microsoft 365 experiences |
| Information you can only partly remember | Copilot may help you find information using the details you recall |
The best route depends on where the information lives and which Microsoft 365 services your account can access. For files, Windows Search or File Explorer can help with local and familiar locations; SharePoint and OneDrive are options for content stored in those services.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Do I need to do anything to remove the apps?
If you use an unmanaged Windows device, you can uninstall a companion app through Windows Settings or from Windows Search. Uninstalling any one of the three removes all three, according to Microsoft.
Rank #3
- A PREMIUM PERFORMANCE LAPTOP — Ready for work, school, and creativity. Built for busy days, big projects, and nonstop multitasking. Run video calls, school and work apps, 20+ browser tabs, and AI tools at the same time without slowing down.
- WITH AI BUILT IN — With a dedicated AI chip (Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite), this Copilot+ PC[5] on Windows 11 helps you work smarter and faster. Prompt, create, and automate with ease - ready for even your most demanding tasks.
- A 13.8" TOUCHSCREEN YOU'LL ACTUALLY USE — Sharp colors, real detail, smooth 120Hz scrolling on the PixelSense touchscreen[1] with LCD display[2]. Tap, scroll, or pinch to zoom - whichever feels right for streaming, editing photos, or daily work.
- 20 HOURS OF BATTERY (LEAVE THE CHARGER) — Up to 20 hours of video playback[3] on a single charge. Work from a coffee shop, take it to class/work, or binge an entire season on a long flight — it'll keep up.
- THE PORTS YOU NEED — Two USB-C / USB4[4] ports for fast charging, big file transfers, or hooking up to three 4K monitors when you want a full desktop. Wi-Fi 7 keeps you online and fast wherever you are.
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Calendar, People, or Files, then select Uninstall.
Alternatively, search Windows for Calendar, People, or Files, open the app’s menu, and choose Uninstall.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should administrators do?
On organization-managed devices, removing the app once may not be enough: an active deployment can install it again. Microsoft says the companions may have arrived through Microsoft 365 Apps updates, Intune or another software-distribution tool, or a user installation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Brilliant Display – Stunning 13.8" PixelSense touchscreen[1], with brilliant LCD display[2], unleashes luminous whites, deeper blacks and colors so richly saturated bringing vivid life into every frame – perfect for work, school, streaming and creative tasks.
- Power that lasts all day – With 20 hours of battery life[3], the new Surface Laptop powers through your entire day, so you can create, work and stream from morning to night without reaching for a charger.
- Work at the speed of your ideas – Built with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite (12 Core) processors, Surface Laptop delivers fast, AI‑accelerated performance—making it the most powerful Surface laptop for everything from multitasking to demanding workloads.
- The ports you need – Charge on-the-go, transfer data fast, or create the ultimate desktop set up with two USB-C / USB4[4] ports.
- Built-in AI Companion – Work smarter, create freely, and communicate with confidence—Copilot[5] on Windows 11 is always there to help.
Rank #4
- A PREMIUM PERFORMANCE LAPTOP — Ready for work, school, and creativity. Built for busy days, big projects, and nonstop multitasking. Run video calls, school and work apps, 20+ browser tabs, and AI tools at the same time without slowing down.
- WITH AI BUILT IN — With a dedicated AI chip (Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite), this Copilot+ PC[5] on Windows 11 helps you work smarter and faster. Prompt, create, and automate with ease - ready for even your most demanding tasks.
- A 15" TOUCHSCREEN YOU'LL ACTUALLY USE — Sharp colors, real detail, smooth 120Hz scrolling on the PixelSense touchscreen[1] with LCD display[2]. Tap, scroll, or pinch to zoom - whichever feels right for streaming, editing photos, or daily work.
- 19 HOURS OF BATTERY (LEAVE THE CHARGER) — Up to 19 hours of video playback[3] on a single charge. Work from a coffee shop, take it to class/work, or binge an entire season on a long flight — it'll keep up.
- Two USB-C / USB4[4] ports and a microSD card reader for fast charging, big file transfers, or hooking up to three 4K monitors when you want a full desktop. Wi-Fi 7 keeps you online and fast wherever you are.
- Check deployment assignments. In Intune, review whether the apps have Required or Available assignments. A Required assignment can reinstall an app after it is removed.
- Stop deployment routes. Microsoft says it will stop automatic installations through Microsoft 365 Apps updates. Administrators should also stop their own Intune or software-distribution deployments.
- Tell users what is changing. Explain the retirement date and point them to the appropriate Outlook, Teams, Windows, or Microsoft 365 alternative.
- Uninstall existing installations. Use Intune or the organization’s device-management tool after deployment routes are stopped.
- Monitor installation status. Check device or user install status until the apps have been removed.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
