check before: 2025-03-01
Product:
Teams, Windows
Platform:
Online, US Instances, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
Feature update, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft Teams is updating its Windows system tray icon and menu for easier use, starting in March 2025. Changes include displaying current presence status, removing the "Open" option, and consolidating icons for personal and work accounts. No action is required from users or admins.
Details:
We are improving the Microsoft Teams app icon and menu in the Microsoft Windows system tray (taskbar notification area) for ease of use and to reduce the number of steps to perform routine tasks.
This message applies to Teams for Windows desktop.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early March 2025 and expect to complete by mid-March 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out mid-March 2025 and expect to complete by late March 2025.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2025-02-20
updated:
2025-02-20
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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MS workload name
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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
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Direct effects for Operations**
User Interface Changes
The removal of the 'Open' option from the system tray may confuse users who are accustomed to accessing the Teams app directly from the tray, potentially leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/blog/2025/03/01/teams-system-tray-icon-and-menu-updates/
Presence Status Visibility
The update to display current presence status may lead to misunderstandings among users if they are not aware of the change, potentially affecting communication and collaboration.
- roles: End Users, Team Leaders
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/blog/2025/03/01/teams-system-tray-icon-and-menu-updates/
Account Management
Consolidating personal and work accounts into a single icon may lead to confusion for users managing multiple accounts, resulting in potential miscommunication or missed messages.
- roles: End Users, IT Support
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/blog/2025/03/01/teams-system-tray-icon-and-menu-updates/
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Improved User Experience with Presence Status
The new system tray icon will allow users to see their current presence status at a glance, facilitating quicker communication and reducing the time spent switching statuses. This is particularly beneficial for roles that require constant collaboration, such as project managers and team leads.
- next-steps: Prepare a communication plan to inform users about the new feature and encourage them to utilize the updated presence status for better collaboration.
- roles: Project Managers, Team Leads, Customer Support Representatives
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/blog/2025/03/01/teams-system-tray-icon-updates/
Streamlined Account Management
By consolidating the Teams icons for personal and work accounts into one, users can manage their accounts more efficiently, reducing confusion and potential errors. This is especially useful for employees who juggle multiple roles or clients.
- next-steps: Develop training materials to guide users on managing their consolidated accounts effectively and highlight the benefits of this change.
- roles: Marketing Teams, Sales Representatives, Consultants
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/blog/2025/03/01/teams-system-tray-icon-updates/
Reduced Administrative Overhead
The automatic rollout of the new features means less manual intervention is required from IT administrators, freeing up time for them to focus on more strategic initiatives rather than routine updates.
- next-steps: Assess current IT workflows to identify areas where the time saved can be redirected towards improving IT services or enhancing user experience.
- roles: IT Administrators, System Administrators, Operations Managers
- references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/blog/2025/03/01/teams-system-tray-icon-updates/
Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 4 weeks ago
