Fix We Unpin Microsoft Companion in Office on Windows

This guide walks you through office settings & configuration using Microsoft-supported steps first, with WPS only where it genuinely helps.

Problem Description: We Unpin Microsoft Companion

In our supported customer environment (Intune-managed, Microsoft Hybrid Azure AD–joined Windows 11 devices), Microsoft companion apps are installed automatically and pinned to the taskbar. Although the IT team has unpinned these apps from the taskbar, they reappear after a device reboot. How can we permanently remove these apps from the taskbar, or is it possible to uninstall them?

Quick Answer for Office Settings Quick Fix

To unpin Microsoft Companion apps from the taskbar on Windows 11 in an Intune-managed environment, first check Group Policy or Intune settings for policies that automatically pin these apps; modify or remove them if they exist.

Likely Causes Behind Office Failure Patterns

• The Microsoft account or license context may not match the purchase or device.

• Cached credentials, outdated builds, or damaged local components can trigger office settings & configuration.

• A file-specific corruption or add-in conflict can mimic a broader application failure.

Recommended Solution: Installing Office on a New PC

When to use this: Apply these steps when the symptoms match and you can access the relevant Microsoft account or administrator.

1. Users can manually unpin apps, but policies will cause them to reappear after reboot.

2. In the Microsoft 365 admin center, navigate to Copilot > Settings > User access and choose not to pin Microsoft 365 Copilot and companion apps to the taskbar; this may take up to 48 hours to apply and might require a device restart.

3. If desired, uninstall the companion apps completely.

Alternative Solutions for Fallback Options for Office Settings

1. Retry the Microsoft-side steps after restarting the app and device.

2. Test the same action in a private browser session or a new blank file to isolate account vs file issues.

3. Run Quick Repair, then Online Repair from Programs and Features if the app still fails.

4. Capture exact error text and screenshots before contacting Microsoft Support or your administrator.

Working with WPS Office: Editing Files in WPS During Office Settings

WPS Office cannot replace Microsoft account, activation, or cloud fixes for this scenario. It remains one of the best free Microsoft Office-compatible alternatives for opening and editing local files.

1. Download and install WPS Office from the official website.

2. Open local Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files in the matching WPS app.

3. Save a working copy locally while Microsoft-side issues are resolved.

4. Return to Microsoft Office after the primary fix succeeds.

If you need a practical local workspace in the meantime, try WPS Office.

Prevention Tips for Smooth Office Device Transfers

• Keep one primary Microsoft account for subscriptions and Office sign-in.

• Install updates for Office and Windows before retrying failed workflows.

• Back up important files before repair, reset, or reinstall actions.

• Document exact error messages before the next troubleshooting attempt.

FAQs About Office Settings Help Topics

Can WPS Office fix this office settings & configuration issue directly? Only when the WPS steps match the formatting or file task. Account, activation, and cloud issues stay on the Microsoft side.

Should I reinstall Office before trying these steps? Not first. Confirm account, license, and the exact error before reinstalling.

What should I send to Microsoft Support? The affected account email, device type, Office version, exact error text, and screenshots with personal data hidden.