New Microsoft Teams Web Client Starts Rolling Out in Preview to Edge and Chrome Users

Teams hero approved 2

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft has started rolling out a new version of its Microsoft Teams web client, initially available for Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome users in preview.
  • The new Teams web client aims to provide a similar experience to the desktop app, offering faster load times, enhanced chat and channel switching, and reduced memory usage.
  • Microsoft plans to expand availability to Safari and Firefox browsers in March 2024.

Microsoft has started rolling out the new version of its Microsoft Teams web client today. The company has posted a new message on the Microsoft 365 admin center to indicate that the new Teams app is available in preview for Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome users.

Last month, Microsoft announced the general availability of the revamped Teams desktop app on Windows and macOS. Compared to the classic Teams client, this new version of Microsoft Teams is up to two times faster and consumes 50 percent less memory. Microsoft has optimized the app for faster load times and easier switching between chats and channels.

“Our goal for the new Teams web app is to bring a near-identical experience to our new Teams desktop app. Both the new Teams web client and desktop clients share the same underlying infrastructure built to improve load times, improve channel and chat switches, and reduce memory usage,” the company explained in a message on the Microsoft 365 admin center.

Microsoft mentioned that the new Teams client offers all the same features as the classic Teams web app, including background effects, webinars, as well as live transcription and CART captions. Microsoft Teams Premium customers can also access AI-powered features such as intelligent recaps, meeting templates, advanced webinars, end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for meetings, and sensitivity labels.

To use the new Teams, you will need to log into the Microsoft Teams web app in Edge or Chrome browsers. Then, turn on the “Try the new Teams” toggle button in the top left corner of the classic Microsoft Teams client. However, IT admins can choose to configure the Teams update management policy to select which users in their organization can access the new app.

New Microsoft Teams Web Client Starts Rolling Out in Preview to Edge and Chrome Users
Try the new Teams toggle

The new Microsoft Teams web app coming to Safari/Firefox browsers in March 2024

As of today, the tenant switching functionality is not available in the new Teams web client, but it will be added for users in the coming months. Moreover, the app will be available for Safari/Firefox users and government customers (GCC, GCC-High, and DoD) in March next year.

Microsoft has recently announced that all users of the classic Teams app will be upgraded to the new Teams in March 2024. Going forward, Microsoft will only add new features and improvements to the new Teams, and it recommends IT admins to begin the migration process within their organizations.