For quite some time, Windows always came with what is called “companion apps” (Calendar, People…) which were also automatically pinned to the taskbar (unless device is being managed).
Well, these companion apps are being retired in December 16th, 2026. This means they no longer be updated and will also stop functioning.
While most devices in corporate environment are (supposed to be) managed, these apps may have been being used anyway as out of the box from Windows.
Office 365 administrators need to take action (in addition of the usual communication) to ensure such Companion Apps are
- No longer being installed on new deployment
- Removed from managed Windows devices
It is important to note that no data will be deleted because of this retirement.
Administrators must implement the following actions:
- While since mid-September Microsoft has been supposed to remove these applications from Office installation, review the Office installation options from the M365 Apps admin center (Home – Microsoft 365 Apps admin center)
- Remove Companions apps using Intune from Managed Devices
- Communicate to end-users using BYOD to uninstall Companion Apps
Office Installation Update
Using the M365 Apps admin center administrators can control if these applications are being installed as default option.
- Administrators must confirm (and if required update) the Modern Apps settings have been turned off for Microsoft 365 companion apps (from the Customization\Device Configuration blade Home – Microsoft 365 Apps admin center)
