Overview

The Microsoft Entra Apps Launcher allows users to access their assigned enterprise applications directly from the launcher interface after authentication.

When configured, users can:

• View applications assigned to them

• Launch apps without re-entering credentials

• Access apps from a single place within the intranet

This article explains how to configure, manage, and troubleshoot the Apps Launcher integration with Microsoft Entra.

How It Works

• Simpplr connects to your Microsoft Entra  tenant via secure account authorization.

• Applications are retrieved from Enterprise Applications using Microsoft Graph API.

• Simpplr fetches the list of applications available in that tenant.

• Applications appear in the Apps Launcher.

• End-user visibility is determined by user and group assignments configured in Microsoft Entra .

• If a user does not have access to an application in Microsoft Entra , it will not appear in the Apps Launcher.

Only applications configured under Enterprise Applications and available via Microsoft Graph API can be retrieved.

Who Can Use This Feature

App managers, Apps & Links managers

• Configure and manage the apps visibility for users in Microsoft Entra 

• Configure Microsoft Entra as apps source in Simpplr

End Users

• Access and launch assigned applications from the launchpad in the header

Before You Begin

Ensure the following:

• You have Global Administrator, Application Administrator, or equivalent permissions in Microsoft Entra.

• Applications are already added in Microsoft Entra under Enterprise Applications.

• Users or groups are assigned to the relevant applications.

• If applications are not assigned, they will not appear in the launcher.

For detailed guidance on assigning users or groups to applications, refer to this Microsoft documentation.

Step 1: Assign Users or Groups to Applications in Microsoft Entra

1. Sign in to the Microsoft Entra admin center.

2. Navigate to Enterprise Applications.

3. Select the application you want to make available in Simpplr.

4. Go to Users and groups.

5. Select Add user/group.

6. Assign the relevant users or groups.

7. Select Assign.

Only applications with assigned users or groups will be available in the Apps Launcher.

Step 2: Configure Microsoft Entra in Simpplr

1. Sign in to Simpplr.

2. Navigate to:
   Application settings → Apps & Links

3. Select Microsoft Entra as the apps integration source.

Choose one of the following:

Option A: Use existing Microsoft Entra configuration

If Microsoft Entra is already connected under People data:

• Select Use existing Microsoft Entra configuration

• Select Save

Option B: Connect a New Microsoft Entra account

If not already connected:

• Select Connect account

• Sign in with your Microsoft Entra admin credentials

• Approve the requested permissions

• You can use the Query filter field to refine which applications are retrieved.

  • The filter allows you to control app visibility based on defined criteria.

  • If a query filter is applied, only applications matching the filter conditions will be available in the Apps Launcher.

• Select Save

Verification

After saving:

• Applications enabled in Microsoft Entra appear in the Apps Launcher.

• Users see applications based on their assigned access in Microsoft Entra.

• Only applications retrievable via Microsoft Graph API are displayed.

If applications do not appear, review the Troubleshooting section.

Application visibility behavior

Changes to user access in Microsoft Entra are reflected in the Apps Launcher after refresh.

Troubleshooting

Applications do not appear

Possible causes

• User or group not assigned in Microsoft Entra 

• Application disabled

• Connected to incorrect tenant

• Microsoft Graph API access restricted by tenant policy

• Admin authorization expired or revoked

Resolution

• Verify user or group assignment in Microsoft Entra 

• Confirm the application is enabled

• Ensure the correct tenant is connected in Simpplr

• Disconnect and reconnect the Microsoft Entra  account

• Refresh the Apps Launcher

Users cannot access a specific application

Possible causes

• User not assigned in Microsoft Entra 

• Application disabled

• SSO not configured correctly in Entra 

Resolution

• Verify assignment under Enterprise Applications → Users and groups

• Confirm the application is active

• Ask the user to refresh the Apps Launcher

FAQs

Q: Who manages user access?
User access is managed entirely in Microsoft Entra . Simpplr only retrieves and displays applications based on that access.

Q: Does this configuration affect user login?
No. This integration does not modify authentication or SSO behavior.

Q: How many Microsoft Entra  tenants can be configured?
One Microsoft Entra  tenant can be configured per Simpplr instance.

Q: What happens if the connection is revoked?
Applications will stop syncing. You must reconnect the Microsoft Entra  account in Simpplr.

Q: How often are applications refreshed?
Applications are retrieved upon configuration save and may refresh periodically. If changes are not visible, refresh the Apps Launcher.

Best Practices

• Assign applications using groups instead of individual users for easier management.

• Use dynamic groups where appropriate.

• Regularly review enterprise application assignments.

• Test new application assignments with a small pilot group before broader rollout.

• Avoid connecting using a temporary admin account to prevent unintended disconnections.

• Periodically verify that the correct tenant is connected.