A Major Change is Coming to Microsoft 365 This October: What to Know About the New Companion App
Starting this October, Microsoft 365 users on Windows will see a significant change in how their software operates. Microsoft is set to begin the mandatory installation of a new background service known as the Microsoft 365 Companion app. This isn’t an application you’ll open from your Start Menu, but rather a core component designed to improve the reliability and overall user experience of the entire Office suite.
For IT administrators and daily users alike, understanding this change is crucial to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth transition. Here’s everything you need to know about this upcoming update.
What Exactly is the Microsoft 365 Companion App?
Think of the Microsoft 365 Companion as the digital plumbing for your Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It’s a background service, or “broker,” that works silently to manage essential functions across the suite.
Its primary responsibilities include:
- Handling User Identity and Licensing: The app ensures that your sign-in status and license validations are consistent and seamlessly managed across all M365 applications. This helps prevent annoying sign-in prompts and licensing errors.
- Managing App Updates: It will play a key role in coordinating updates, ensuring that all components of the suite are up-to-date and functioning correctly together.
- Improving Reliability: By centralizing these core functions, Microsoft aims to create a more stable and reliable platform, reducing crashes and performance issues.
If this sounds familiar, it’s because this technology is not entirely new. A similar component has been an integral part of Microsoft Teams for some time. The upcoming change involves expanding its role to become the central nervous system for the entire Microsoft 365 suite on Windows.
Key Details for Users and IT Administrators
This is not an optional update. The Companion app will be automatically installed for users running Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows.
Here are the most important points to be aware of:
- Automatic and Mandatory Installation: The rollout will begin in late October and will be delivered through regular Microsoft 365 Apps updates. No user action is required to install it.
- No User Interface: This is a background process. Users will not see an icon on their desktop or in their app list. It is designed to be invisible and operate without any user interaction.
- It is an Essential Component: Microsoft considers this app a critical part of the M365 infrastructure moving forward.
Can You Uninstall the Microsoft 365 Companion App?
The short answer is no. Because the Companion app is deeply integrated into the functionality of Microsoft 365, it cannot be uninstalled.
Attempting to remove it could lead to significant instability, sign-in failures, and other errors within Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other M365 products. Microsoft is positioning it as a fundamental requirement for the suite to operate as intended.
Actionable Advice and How to Prepare
While the mandatory nature of this installation may be concerning for some, its purpose is to create a more robust and hassle-free experience. The best approach is to be prepared and informed.
For IT Administrators:
- Communicate with Your Users: Proactively inform your team about this upcoming change. Let them know that a new background service will be installed automatically and that it is a legitimate, necessary update from Microsoft. This can prevent a surge in help desk tickets from users concerned about unfamiliar software.
- Review Update Channels: Ensure your organization’s update channels for Microsoft 365 Apps are configured correctly to receive the update smoothly when it becomes available.
For Individual Users:
- No Action Needed: The best thing you can do is ensure your Microsoft 365 Apps are set to receive automatic updates. The Companion app will be installed as part of a routine update.
- Stay Secure: Be aware that cybercriminals may try to exploit this news. Microsoft will not ask you to manually download or install this app via an email link or a pop-up. The only legitimate method of installation is through the official Microsoft 365 update process. Be wary of any unsolicited messages regarding this change.
Ultimately, the introduction of the Microsoft 365 Companion app is a foundational step toward a more unified and dependable software ecosystem. While it operates silently in the background, its impact will be felt through a smoother, more secure, and more reliable experience across all the apps you use every day.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-to-force-install-microsoft-365-companion-apps-in-october/
