Microsoft is releasing new companion apps for the Windows 11 taskbar. These lightweight Office apps automatically launch at startup.

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Microsoft is rolling out lightweight taskbar companion apps for Microsoft 365 business users on Windows 11. The three apps provide quick access to contacts and org charts (People), file search across Microsoft 365 services (File Search), and calendar viewing (Calendar) directly from the taskbar. These apps automatically launch at startup but can be disabled by IT admins or end users. The rollout follows a beta period and represents Microsoft's effort to integrate productivity tools more deeply into the Windows 11 experience.

Microsoft releases lightweight Office taskbar apps for Windows 11

They should better fix the start menu 🙈

On my Windows device, I often use the People tool, rather than launching/opening/restoring MS Teams, to send quick comments.
(MS Teams is required at work. So no hate, please. :) )