Information Services

Switch to the New Teams

Microsoft are rolling out their new Teams app. We recommend you switch to the new app before Classic Teams support ends from July 2024.

The New Teams app brings several features and improvements:

  • Faster Performance: App launch, joining meetings, or switching chats or channels is up to 2X faster.
  • Resource Efficiency: It utilizes up to 50% resources on your device, helping to preserve battery life.  
  • Cross-Organisation Collaboration: Seamlessly switch organisation without disrupting your meetings.
  • Improved Security: Incorporates stringent content security policies and integrates the latest security engines.
  • Enhanced Help: Access help articles, videos, latest updates and provide feedback directly to Microsoft.
  • Presenter Toolbar: A new draggable Presenter Toolbar during screen sharing helps you navigate your presentable screens.
  • File Image Previews: In chats and channels, you can see image previews of attached files directly in the conversation stream.

The new Microsoft Teams app has been redesigned from the ground up for a faster, simpler, and more flexible experience and it now has feature parity with Classic Teams.  Our recommendation is that you choose to switch to the New Teams app now.

This article contains key supporting information about the transition to the New Teams desk and web app and you can get the new app now. See also: Info about changes in the New Teams app

New Teams notice if user device is unsupported

From July 2024, if you still use Classic Teams and your device operating system is unsupported, a notice will appear each time you start Teams, alerting you that classic Teams is no longer supported, and the option to either continue or try new Teams on the web.

If your device cannot support the minimum specification to support the Teams app, see “Supported Operating Systems for Microsoft Teams” section, you might need to upgrade or replace your device.

This won't be limited to just the Microsoft Teams app because apps and web browsers are continually being updated so will eventually demand that you upgrade your device or operating system before you can install or use the app. ​​​​​

If you continue to use Classic Teams, you will be using an unsupported version and will continue to see the notice each time the app is started.

 

Transition Timeline

The timeline to replace Classic Teams with the New Teams desk app is controlled by Microsoft. The following outlines the key stages:

Nb. The timelines below are a guide only and are subject to change without notice. Some changes may take longer to implement. ​​​

New Teams Timeline as an image
  • Since May / June 2024 - New Teams app download made the default for any new user
  • From July 2024 - Classic Teams support ends for everyone
  • From August 2024 - Remaining users will be prompted to switch to New Teams​​​​​
  • July 2025 - Classic Teams will be completely retired

The change is controlled by Microsoft and is on a global rollout timeline, it's not specific to University of Edinburgh. We recommend you choose to switch to the new app before Classic Teams support ends from July 2024.

To align with Microsoft's end to support for classic Teams, our policy will be updated in July so that users will be prompted within the Classic Teams app, to switch to the New Teams app, see "How will I be notified about the transition to the New Teams" section.  

If you are still using classic Teams, you can switch to the new Teams desk app (Windows or Mac) below. Allow 24 hours following your request, it doesn't take effect immediately.

Nb. It helps reduce the potential for initial issues switching to the new app if your current Teams app is up to date.  Ensure your app has the latest updates and restart it prior to switching to the new Teams app. If you also have any pending Windows or Mac updates, allow them to finish installing first before trying to switch the app. See also the "Known Issues" section of this page for more details.

Get the New Teams  

Information Services cannot guarantee that switching to the new Teams app will be free from issues (see the "Known Issues & Troubleshooting" section) and changes may appear without prior warning.