MC792603 – (Updated) Microsoft Teams: Ask to join a shared channel with a channel link

Product:

Teams

Platform:

Mac, US Instances, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

325330

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Teams will soon allow in-tenant users to request to join a shared channel via a link. This feature will be available on Teams for Desktop and Mac, with rollout dates varying by release type and tenant level. No admin action is required before the rollout.

Details:
Updated October 10, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Coming soon to Microsoft Teams: In-tenant users who attempt to access a shared channel with a link will be able to request to join the channel. Channel owners will receive the join request and can decide to approve or deny request. This rollout applies to Teams for Desktop and Mac.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 325330.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out mid-June 2024 and expect to complete by mid-June 2024.
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): We will begin rolling out late June 2024 and expect to complete by late June 2024.
General Availability (GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out mid-July 2024 and expect to complete by late October 2024 (previously mid-September).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Standard Release

Created:
2024-05-14

updated:
2024-10-11

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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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Access Management
Users may experience confusion or frustration if they attempt to access a shared channel and are not aware of the new request feature, leading to potential delays in collaboration.
   - roles: End Users, Channel Owners
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/shared-channels, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=325330

User Experience
The introduction of the request to join feature without prior user training may lead to increased support queries and dissatisfaction due to lack of understanding of the new process.
   - roles: Helpdesk Support, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/shared-channels, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=325330

Documentation and Communication
Existing documentation may become outdated, leading to misinformation and user errors if not updated promptly to reflect the new feature.
   - roles: IT Administrators, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/shared-channels, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=325330

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft Teams is introducing a new feature that makes it easier for users within the same organization to join shared channels. Imagine you’re trying to get into a meeting room that’s locked. Previously, if you didn’t have a key, you’d just see a sign saying “No Access.” Now, with this update, you can knock on the door and ask to be let in. The person inside can then decide whether to open the door for you or not.

This change means that when someone in your organization clicks on a link to a shared channel, they can request to join it. The owner of the channel will receive this request and can choose to approve or deny it. This is similar to sending a friend request on social media, where the other person can decide whether to accept or decline your request.

This feature will be available on Microsoft Teams for Desktop and Mac. It will be rolled out automatically, so there’s no need for IT administrators to take any action beforehand. However, it might be helpful to inform your team about this new capability and update any related documents or guides you have.

It’s important to note that this feature only applies to users within the same organization. If someone from outside your organization tries to access a shared channel using a link, they will still see the “No Access” message, just like before.

In summary, this update simplifies the process of joining shared channels within your organization, much like being able to knock on a door and ask to come in, rather than just seeing a “No Entry” sign.