Microsoft to Launch Unified Teams Client for Windows and macOS

Microsoft Teams

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft is planning to launch a unified Teams client for Windows and macOS.
  • The new feature will allow users to access work, school, and personal accounts within a single Microsoft Teams desktop application.
  • This release addresses user frustration with having to manage separate versions of Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft is preparing to launch a new unified Teams client for Windows and macOS. The company has announced on the Microsoft 365 admin center that this release will allow users to access their work, school, and personal accounts in a single desktop application.

Microsoft has long provided two separate Teams desktop applications for consumers and commercial customers. Users have expressed frustration with the inconvenience of switching between these two versions of Microsoft Teams. Fortunately, Microsoft is planning to address this problem for Windows and macOS users.

With this release, Microsoft Teams users will be able to add any type of additional account by simply clicking on their profile picture. Microsoft will roll out a routine update to seamlessly transition classic Teams users to the new Teams desktop experience. This means users will no longer need a separate Microsoft Teams app to access personal accounts on Windows 11 PCs.

“With this capability, we are also introducing changes to how you join meetings. Teams will allow users to view or change the identity that they want to use for meetings, right on the meeting pre-join screen. These changes follow all meeting privacy and security policies,” Microsoft explained.

Microsoft notes that users already using the new Teams desktop app will not need to download a separate application. However, IT admins will need to enable app installs and updates to update classic Teams users to the new Teams client.

Microsoft’s unified Teams client to hit GA in June

Microsoft plans to release the update to users running Windows 11 version 23H2 (also known as the Windows 11 2023 Update). Once enabled, Microsoft will attempt to remove Teams Free (Teams for personal use) from Windows 11 devices as part of the upcoming update. However, it’s important to note that the Teams Free app will not be uninstalled from Windows 10 and macOS devices.

Microsoft expects to roll out the new feature to targeted release customers in April, with general availability slated for late June 2024. However, the update won’t impact Virtualized Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environments. Microsoft advises administrators to review their Teams sign-in restriction policies for end users and devices.