Microsoft Teams to Let Free Users Join Work Meetings without a Web Browser

Microsoft Teams

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft Teams is getting a new feature to let users with personal Microsoft accounts join work meetings directly from the desktop app.
  • The feature will allow free users to retain access to the chat even after the meeting ends.
  • Organizations will be able to maintain control over chats and meetings federation with free users.

Microsoft Teams is getting a new update that will allow users with personal Microsoft accounts (MSA) to join work meetings directly from within the Teams desktop app (or vice versa). This update eliminates the current requirement for free users to join meetings as anonymous guests via a web browser and ensures continued access to chats after the meeting ends.

Currently, Microsoft Teams (free) users need to join work meetings as anonymous meeting guests through a web browser. Moreover, these participants are removed from the chat after the Teams meeting has ended.

Starting in February, Microsoft will introduce a new feature that will allow free users to participate in work meetings with their personal account directly from the Teams client. These users will also be able to retain access to the meeting chat after it has ended. Similarly, users with work accounts will be able to join Microsoft Teams (free) hosted meetings.

“Once this feature is made available, users of Microsoft Teams (Free) will be able to join Teams for work (or school) meetings in one click, they no longer will be redirected to browser, asked to fill in their name/surname and they will be able to continue collaboration with meeting organiser and other participants via meeting chat after the meeting,” Microsoft explained.

Limitations for free Microsoft Teams users in work meetings

Microsoft notes that organizations will be able to control both chats and meetings federation with Microsoft Teams (free) users. However, participants who use a free version of the app to join work meetings won’t be able to access some features. For instance, these users won’t be able to join breakout rooms, use Whiteboard, or share PowerPoint Live content. Additionally, they won’t be able to record work meetings.

Microsoft notes that Windows 11 users will need to use the “Teams for work” app to join work meetings by clicking on a link. This capability won’t be available from the Teams for consumers app, the Outlook calendar, or third-party apps.