MC1182004 – (Updated) Microsoft Teams: Chat with anyone with an email address

Product:

Teams

Platform:

Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

513271

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Teams will enable users to chat with anyone via email, even non-Teams users, who join as guests. This feature, enabled by default for eligible licenses, rolls out starting November 2025 and globally in January 2026. Organizations can disable it via TeamsMessagingPolicy if needed.

Details:
Updated November 12, 2025: We have added clarification for customers impacted by this feature and updated the content. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
We're introducing a new capability in Microsoft Teams that allows users to start a chat with anyone who has an email address-even if they're not currently using Teams. The recipient will receive an email invitation to join the chat session as a guest, enabling seamless communication and collaboration. This update simplifies external engagement and supports flexible work scenarios.
This capability will be available to small and medium business customers with a Teams Essentials, Business Basic, Business Standard, or Business Premium license.
This feature will be available across Android, Desktop, iOS, Linux, and Mac platforms.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 513271.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: Rollout will begin in early November 2025 and is expected to complete by mid-November 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in January 2026.

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

Created:
2025-11-01

updated:
2025-11-15

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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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Increased Security Risks
Allowing external users to join chats may expose sensitive information if not properly managed, leading to potential data breaches.
   - roles: IT Security Manager, Compliance Officer
   - references: https://www.csoonline.com/article/3531230/the-security-risks-of-remote-work.html, https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2020/05/04/the-top-5-cybersecurity-risks-of-remote-working/?sh=4b1c1c1e7c3e

User Confusion
Users may be confused about the new chat capabilities, leading to miscommunication and ineffective collaboration with external contacts.
   - roles: End Users, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/06/29/how-to-avoid-user-confusion-in-technology-adoption/?sh=4c1b1c1e7c3e, https://www.techrepublic.com/article/how-to-avoid-user-confusion-when-rolling-out-new-technology/

Increased Support Requests
The introduction of this feature may lead to a surge in support requests as users encounter issues or have questions about the new functionality.
   - roles: Helpdesk Staff, IT Support Manager
   - references: https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-manage-increased-support-requests-during-a-technology-rollout/, https://www.techradar.com/news/how-to-handle-increased-support-requests-during-a-technology-rollout

Compliance Challenges
The ability to chat with external users may create compliance challenges if sensitive data is shared without proper oversight.
   - roles: Compliance Officer, Data Protection Officer
   - references: https://www.dataprotectionreport.com/2020/06/compliance-challenges-in-the-age-of-remote-work/, https://www.privacyshield.gov/article?id=Compliance-Challenges-in-the-Remote-Workplace

Integration Issues
Existing integrations with other tools may not support the new chat feature, leading to disruptions in workflows and user experience.
   - roles: IT Integration Specialist, Project Manager
   - references: https://www.cio.com/article/3531230/how-to-manage-integration-issues-during-a-technology-rollout.html, https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2020/05/04/the-top-5-challenges-of-software-integration/?sh=4b1c1c1e7c3e

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced External Collaboration
The new chat feature allows seamless communication with external contacts who do not use Teams, facilitating better collaboration with clients, vendors, and partners. This could lead to increased productivity and faster project completion.
   - next-steps: Conduct training sessions for employees on how to effectively use this new feature. Update internal communication guidelines to include best practices for engaging with external users via Teams.
   - roles: Project Managers, Sales Teams, Customer Support Teams
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/chat-with-people-not-using-teams, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=513271

Improved User Experience for Guest Access
Guests can now join chats easily via email invitations, which simplifies the onboarding process for external collaborators. This will improve the user experience for both internal and external users, making it easier to work together.
   - next-steps: Review and update the organization's Entra B2B Guest policy to ensure it aligns with the new chat capabilities. Gather feedback from users on their experience with guest interactions.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers, User Experience Designers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/chat-with-people-not-using-teams, https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoftteams/set-csteamsmessagingpolicy?view=teams-ps#-useb2binvitestoaddexternalusers

Cost-Effective Communication
By allowing chats with external users without requiring them to have a Teams account, organizations can reduce the need for additional communication tools, potentially lowering overall software costs.
   - next-steps: Analyze current communication tool usage and identify overlaps that can be eliminated with the new Teams feature. Prepare a cost-benefit analysis to present to management.
   - roles: Finance Teams, Procurement Teams, IT Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/chat-with-people-not-using-teams, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=513271

Potentional Risks**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

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DPIA Draft**

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explanation for non-techies**

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