Beginning in early April 2024, Microsoft will begin updating the classic Teams desktop app with an upgraded version for Windows and Mac. The new Teams experience is expected to provide enhanced performance and a streamlined user interface.
To facilitate the transition, the new Teams desktop app for Windows and Mac is currently available for preview. Pitt Information Technology strongly recommends students, faculty, and staff become familiar with the new Teams environment now.
Users can preview the new experience by:
- Launching their Teams desktop client.
- Sliding the Try the new Teams setting switch on the top left-hand side of the menu ribbon to the right.
Until about mid-May, users will be able to use this toggle switch to revert to the classic Teams client. While Microsoft has not specified an exact date for the change in May, all Teams desktop apps for Windows and Mac users will be upgraded to the new Teams experience.
After July 1, 2024, Microsoft plans to block the classic Teams desktop app and it will no longer work. Please note that this date is tentative and subject to extension based on feedback Microsoft receives about the new Teams desktop app and the transition process.
The functionality of the new Teams desktop client remains mostly the same, but it provides a faster, simpler, and more flexible performance experience. The new client:
- Loads more quickly, allowing you to launch the app and join meetings with greater efficiency.
- Ensures better utilization of device resources, using less battery and memory.
- Allows multiple accounts, such as UPMC and Pitt, and switching between them from the account manager located in the upper, right-hand side of the menu taskbar.
Changing between the classic and new Teams experiences should not affect existing meetings, meeting links, the ability to join these meetings, chats, calendars, or assigned groups in Teams.
Please contact the Technology Help Desk at +1-412-624-4357 (HELP) if you experience any issues or have any questions regarding Microsoft Teams.