Microsoft launches 2 new Windows 11 apps called People and File Search

Back in mid-2024, rumors were swirling that Microsoft was working on two new apps called People and File Search for Windows 11. After a while, today, these apps are finally official. Microsoft announced the pair of apps in a post on the official community blog for Windows users.

The first app is People. This is essentially a companion app that helps users learn about contacts in their organization and get all the relevant information about each person. You can access profile cards and organization charts, send quick messages in Teams without switching apps, and search for people based on job title, department, location, and project. The app has a compact layout that you can quickly bring up on your desktop by clicking its icon on the taskbar.

Next up is File Search. This is another Microsoft 365 companion app that lets you find recently opened files, search for files by content, filter files by type, and more. It also supports file previews, so you can be sure you're sharing the right file.

These mini apps work seamlessly with your existing Microsoft 365 tools, like Teams and OneDrive, simplifying the tasks you do every day. You’ll see familiar workflows in these apps, but in a streamlined, fast format. Plus, you can pin both apps to your taskbar for quick access when you need them, no matter how cluttered your system’s workspace is.

The People and File Search apps are now available, but not to all Windows 11 users. Users must meet the Microsoft 365 desktop app requirements, join the Microsoft 365 Insider program (Beta Channel), and have a Microsoft 365 for business subscription (Enterprise or Business Edition).

You can learn more about Microsoft's latest companion apps in a post on the official Tech Community site. IT admins can find more details in the official support document that has been published.