MC1025217 – (Updated) Microsoft Teams: In channels, the “Shared” tab (formerly the “Files” tab) will have new capabilities

Product:

SharePoint, Teams, Windows

Platform:

Mac, Online, US Instances, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

470597

Details:

Summary:
The Teams "Files" tab in channels will be renamed "Shared," combining shared post content and document library files. Rolling out Nov 2025–Jan 2026, it offers views by posts and library, file ordering, and filtering. No admin action needed; user notification is recommended.

Details:
Updated December 22, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon for Microsoft Teams: In channels, we will rename the Files tab as the Shared tab to enable users to view content shared in posts and content in the document library in one place. Note: The Shared tab in chats will not be affected by this change.
This message applies to Teams for Windows desktop and Teams for Mac desktop.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 470597.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early November 2025 and expect to complete by mid-November 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-November 2025 and expect to complete by mid-January 2026 (previously late November 2025).
GCC: Start mid Dec 2025 and finish by late Jan 2026

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release

Created:
2025-03-07

updated:
2025-12-23

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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linked item details

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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Interface Confusion
Users may be confused by the renaming of the 'Files' tab to 'Shared', leading to potential difficulties in locating documents and files they need.
   - roles: End Users, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=470597

Reduced Productivity
The lack of prior notification and training may result in users spending extra time figuring out the new layout and functionalities, thus reducing overall productivity.
   - roles: End Users, Project Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=470597

Increased Support Requests
Users may encounter issues or have questions regarding the new features, leading to an increase in support requests and strain on IT resources.
   - roles: IT Support, Help Desk Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=470597

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Experience through Unified Content Access
The transition from 'Files' to 'Shared' tab provides a centralized location for users to access both documents and links shared in conversations, enhancing user experience by reducing the time spent searching for relevant content. This improvement is particularly beneficial for teams that rely heavily on collaboration and communication through Teams channels.
   - next-steps: Conduct user training sessions to familiarize staff with the new 'Shared' tab functionalities. Update internal documentation to reflect the changes and highlight best practices for utilizing the new features effectively.
   - roles: Project Managers, Team Leaders, Collaborative Teams
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=470597

Improved Document Management Efficiency
The new capabilities in the 'Shared' tab allow users to filter and order files by date, making it easier to manage and locate documents. This can lead to improved efficiency in document retrieval and management tasks, reducing the overhead for IT support related to file access issues.
   - next-steps: Evaluate current document management processes and identify areas for optimization with the new filtering and ordering capabilities. Provide feedback to users on how to best utilize these features to enhance productivity.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Document Control Managers, Operational Teams
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=470597

Streamlined Communication and Collaboration
By integrating posts and document access in one tab, the 'Shared' tab fosters a more cohesive communication environment. This integration can lead to reduced miscommunication and better project alignment, as users can see both the files and the context in which they were shared.
   - next-steps: Encourage teams to adopt the 'Shared' tab in their daily workflows and gather feedback on its impact on collaboration. Consider setting up regular check-ins to discuss any challenges or improvements noticed since the rollout.
   - roles: Team Members, Collaboration Specialists, Communication Officers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=470597

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft Teams is making a change that will help users find shared content more easily in channel conversations. Imagine you have a filing cabinet where you keep all your documents. Previously, you had one drawer labeled "Files" for documents and another place for things like sticky notes or links that people might have shared with you. Now, Microsoft Teams is merging these into one drawer called "Shared." This means you can see both your documents and any links or files shared in conversations all in one place.

The change is happening between November 2025 and January 2026, depending on your location and setup. You don't need to do anything to prepare for this change, but it might be helpful to let your team know so they aren't surprised when they see the new "Shared" tab instead of "Files."

In practical terms, this means when you're in a Teams channel, you can click on the "Shared" tab to see everything that has been shared in that channel, whether it's a document from the SharePoint library or a link someone posted in a conversation. It's like having a single view that shows you both the formal documents and the informal notes or links that people have shared.

This update will also allow you to sort and filter these items, making it easier to find what you're looking for. For example, you can sort by the most recent items or filter to see only links or only files. This is similar to organizing your filing cabinet by date or type of document, making it quicker to find what you need.

In the future, there will also be a keyword search feature, which will make it even easier to locate specific items within the "Shared" tab. This is like having a search bar for your filing cabinet, where you can type in a keyword and quickly find all related documents or links.

Overall, this change is designed to streamline how you access shared content in Teams, making it more efficient and user-friendly.