Learn how to move quickly between Microsoft 365 applications and make better use of your Microsoft 365 subscription.
Introduction
Many small businesses use Microsoft 365 primarily for email through Outlook but are often unaware of how easily they can access other services such as:
- SharePoint
- Teams
- OneDrive
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Planner
- Forms
Fortunately, Microsoft 365 allows users to switch between applications using a single menu called the App Launcher, eliminating the need to repeatedly sign in or remember multiple web addresses.
Why Use the App Launcher?
The App Launcher provides a central location for accessing Microsoft 365 services.
Benefits include:
✅ Faster navigation
✅ Reduced time searching for applications
✅ Automatically uses your existing login session
✅ Improves productivity
✅ Encourages better use of Microsoft 365
Finding the App Launcher
After signing into Microsoft 365, look towards the upper-left corner of the page.
You will see an icon consisting of nine small dots arranged in a square.
Switching from Outlook to SharePoint
Many small businesses store company documents in SharePoint.
To access SharePoint:
Step 1
Open Outlook in your browser.
Step 2
Click the: App Launcher (as above)
Step 3
Select: One of the Microsoft Applications
Most Useful Microsoft 365 Applications
| Application | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Outlook | Email and Calendar |
| SharePoint | Shared Company Documents |
| Teams | Chat and Meetings |
| OneDrive | Personal File Storage |
| Word | Documents |
| Excel | Spreadsheets |
| PowerPoint | Presentations |
| Planner | Task Management |
| Forms | Surveys and Data Collection |
Key Takeaway
The Microsoft 365 App Launcher makes it easy to move between Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive and other Microsoft 365 services without repeatedly signing in. For small businesses, understanding how these applications work together can improve collaboration, reduce reliance on email attachments and help teams get more value from their Microsoft 365 subscription.