MC1174858 – Introducing Image Search in Microsoft Teams

Product:

Teams

Platform:

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

Status:

Rolling out

Change type:

New feature

Links:

505443

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Teams now supports image search in chats and channels, showing results by message content, sender, and location. Features include image suggestions in Autosuggest, an Images filter, and a Search Results Page with context and a carousel view. Rollout occurs November–December 2025 across all environments.

Details:
[Introduction]
You can now search for images in Microsoft Teams - whether it's a screenshot, whiteboard photo, or any other visual shared in chats or channels. Images can be found by person name or message content in Autosuggest, while the Search Results Page also shows the chat or channel where the image was shared for added context.
This message is associated with Roadmap ID 505443.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted release: Rollout begins early November 2025 and completes by mid-November 2025.
Worldwide and GCC: Rollout begins mid-November 2025 and completes by early December 2025.
GCC-H and DoD: Rollout begins early December 2025 and completes by mid-December 2025.

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

Created:
2025-10-18

updated:
2025-10-18

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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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 Confusion
Users may be confused by the new image search functionality, leading to frustration and decreased productivity as they learn how to use the feature effectively.
   - roles: End Users, Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=505443

Increased Support Requests
The introduction of a new feature without preparation may lead to an increase in support requests as users encounter issues or have questions about the new functionality.
   - roles: Support Staff, IT Helpdesk
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=505443

Search Performance Issues
The new image search feature may initially cause performance issues in Teams, such as slower search results or application lag, impacting user experience.
   - roles: End Users, IT Operations
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=505443

Training Gaps
Without prior preparation, users may not be aware of how to utilize the new image search effectively, leading to underutilization of the feature.
   - roles: End Users, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=505443

Integration Issues
The new feature may conflict with existing integrations or third-party applications, causing disruptions in workflows for users.
   - roles: End Users, IT Operations
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=505443

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced Collaboration
The new image search feature allows users to quickly find and share relevant visuals, improving collaboration and productivity. This is particularly beneficial for project managers and team leads who rely on visual communication to convey ideas and updates effectively.
   - next-steps: Promote the new image search functionality through internal communications and training sessions to ensure users are aware of and can utilize the feature effectively.
   - roles: Project Managers, Team Leads, Marketing Teams
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=505443

Streamlined IT Support
With users able to find images quickly, IT support can reduce the number of requests related to locating shared visuals, thus streamlining support operations and allowing IT staff to focus on more complex issues.
   - next-steps: Monitor support ticket trends to identify reductions in image-related queries and adjust support resources accordingly.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Helpdesk Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=505443

Improved Knowledge Management
The image search capability enhances knowledge sharing by making it easier for users to retrieve past visual content, which can be crucial for training and onboarding new employees, especially for HR and training departments.
   - next-steps: Develop a knowledge base article or video tutorial demonstrating the image search feature and its benefits for new employees.
   - roles: HR Managers, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=505443

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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