Microsoft Introduces Paid People and File Search Applications for Windows 11

Discover Microsoft 365’s New Productivity Wonders: People and File Search Apps

Microsoft has recently introduced two innovative applications, quietly launched for its Microsoft 365 Enterprise and Business customers. These apps, known as the People app and the File Search app, aim to enhance productivity and streamline the user experience on Windows 11.

Overview of the People App

The People app is designed to facilitate seamless communication within organizations. It allows you to quickly find employee information without disrupting your workflow during tasks such as meetings or document editing. Have you ever felt the hassle of searching for someone’s contact details while sharing your screen? This app resolves that issue brilliantly!

You can launch the People app directly from your Windows 11 taskbar and access detailed profile cards of your coworkers. Even if you don’t recall the exact name of the person you’re looking for, the app provides filters to help refine your search efficiently.

Features of the File Search App

The File Search app is a game-changing tool for quickly locating cloud files. The Home section of this app provides display options for recently accessed files, allowing users to navigate their document library effortlessly.

With a variety of filters, users can categorize their search results based on the organization or applications used. Most excitingly, a built-in preview window enables users to view the contents of a file without the need to open it in a separate application, ensuring you’re always accessing the correct version.

File Search app for M365 — Image: Microsoft

Comparison with Legacy Apps

Both the People and File Search apps are modern iterations designed to overcome the limitations of their legacy counterparts. The previous People app saw little use and was eventually abandoned by Microsoft. These new applications not only offer enhanced functionality but also better integration with Windows 11, providing a fresh user experience.

User Accessibility and Limitations

Currently, the new People and File Search apps are only available to Microsoft 365 Business and Enterprise customers; regular subscribers are blocked from accessing these features. This raises the question of whether Microsoft intends to expand availability in the future. While these applications show great potential, their longevity will depend on user adoption and consistent usage.

As with any new tool, feedback from initial users will be crucial in determining whether these apps will become mainstays in the Microsoft ecosystem or fade away like their predecessors. Are you ready to embrace these productivity enhancements? Let us know your thoughts!

For more detailed information about these apps, check out the official Microsoft Support Document or read the latest updates on Windows Latest.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can access the new People and File Search apps?

Currently, only users with Microsoft 365 Business or Enterprise subscriptions can access the People and File Search apps. Regular subscribers are not able to use these applications.

2. How do the People and File Search apps enhance productivity?

The People app allows you to quickly find and communicate with colleagues without disrupting your workflow, while the File Search app helps you locate files faster and provides a preview option to verify their content before accessing them.

3. What are the potential limitations of these new apps?

The primary limitation is accessibility; these apps are exclusive to paid Microsoft 365 customers. Additionally, their long-term viability depends on user engagement and continuous feedback.