🌐 What Is the App Launcher in Microsoft 365?

The App Launcher is a core navigation feature in Microsoft 365 that gives users quick access to all their apps and services from one place.

Think of it as your digital control center. With a single click, you can jump between Outlook, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, and other Microsoft 365 apps—without opening new tabs or typing URLs.

📌 Where You’ll Find the App Launcher

The App Launcher appears as a grid icon, often called the “waffle” icon, in the top-left corner of Microsoft 365 web apps.

When you click it:

A panel opens showing your pinned apps
Recently used apps appear for quick access
You can scroll or search to find other available apps

No matter which Microsoft 365 app you’re in, the App Launcher is always there.

⚙️ How the App Launcher Works

The App Launcher is designed to be fast and intuitive:

Quick access
Click the waffle icon to instantly see your apps.
Pinned apps
Your most-used apps appear at the top for faster navigation.
Built-in search
Search directly within the launcher to find an app quickly.
All apps view
Browse all Microsoft 365 apps you’re licensed for in one place.

This keeps your workflow smooth and uninterrupted.

🚀 Key Features

The App Launcher offers several productivity-focused features:

Centralized navigation for Microsoft 365 apps
Customizable shortcuts through pinning and unpinning
Integrated app search
Consistent experience across Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, and more

It ensures you always know where to go next.

🎯 Benefits for Users

Even though it looks simple, the App Launcher delivers real value:

Saves time by eliminating the need to open multiple tabs
Boosts productivity with quick app switching
Easy to learn for both new and experienced users
Reduces dependency on bookmarks and URLs

Small clicks add up to big efficiency gains.

🛠️ Customizing Your App Launcher

You can tailor the App Launcher to fit your daily work:

Pin frequently used apps to the top
Unpin apps you rarely use
Use search when you need an app quickly

A few seconds of customization can make your daily workflow much smoother.

💡 Best Practices

To get the most from the App Launcher:

Pin essential apps like Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive
Keep the top section clean—only pin what you use often
Review your pinned apps periodically to keep them relevant

A clutter-free launcher is easier to use and faster to navigate.

📍 Common Use Cases

The App Launcher is especially useful for:

Switching from Outlook to Teams during meetings
Opening SharePoint sites without remembering URLs
Accessing OneDrive files while editing documents online
Moving between apps during multitasking-heavy workdays

It keeps everything just one click away.

🧠 Final Thoughts

The Microsoft 365 App Launcher may look like a small feature, but it’s a powerful productivity hub.

By centralizing all your apps in one place, it helps you work faster, stay focused, and move effortlessly between tools. Whether you’re managing emails, collaborating in Teams, or working on documents, the App Launcher ensures your digital workspace is always within reach.

What is the App Launcher?