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En bref

• Microsoft will discontinue three companion apps: Calendar, People, and Files.
• The retirement date is December 16.
• IT admins must remove the apps from managed devices.
• No security vulnerabilities are linked to this change.
• The move affects Microsoft 365 users and administrators.

Microsoft has announced that it will discontinue three companion applications tied to its Microsoft 365 productivity suite: the Calendar, People, and Files apps. The retirement is scheduled for December 16, according to the company's plans. These applications were designed to offer quick access to common tasks, but Microsoft is now moving away from them.

The change primarily affects organizations that have deployed these apps across their managed devices. IT administrators will need to ensure that the applications are removed from endpoints under their control. This is not a security-driven update; no CVEs are associated with the retirement. Instead, it appears to be a product lifecycle decision.

For K-12 districts and government agencies, this means an administrative cleanup task. The apps may still function until the deadline, but leaving them installed could cause confusion or minor support issues. Admins should inventory their environments to identify where these three apps are present.

Why does this matter? While the retirement is not critical from a vulnerability standpoint, it represents a change in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Users who relied on these lightweight apps will need to adjust to alternative workflows, such as using the web versions or other Microsoft 365 tools. The removal from managed devices also helps maintain a tidy software inventory.

What to watch: Microsoft may provide additional guidance or tools to assist with the removal. Admins should monitor official channels for any updates before December 16. After that date, the apps may stop receiving updates or be blocked from signing in. Planning the removal now avoids last-minute disruptions.

À faire maintenant

1. Inventory all managed devices to identify installations of the Calendar, People, and Files companion apps.
2. Use endpoint management tools (e.g., Intune, Configuration Manager) to create uninstall packages or scripts.
3. Schedule the removal to occur before December 16 to avoid user disruption.
4. Communicate the upcoming change to users and suggest alternative Microsoft 365 apps or web versions.
5. Verify successful removal and monitor for any reinstallation attempts.
6. Check Microsoft's official documentation for updated removal instructions or tools.
7. Document the process for compliance and future reference.

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