MC853236 – (Updated) Microsoft Teams: Expanded search options for 1:1 chats

Product:

Teams

Platform:

Mac, Web, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

New feature, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Teams will soon introduce expanded search options for 1:1 chats, allowing users to search content related to a person across Teams. This feature will be available on Windows, Mac, and the web, starting mid-August 2024 and completing by late August 2024. It will be enabled by default.

Details:
Updated on August 22, 2024: This feature has been delayed. We will update this Message center announcement again once we have new rollout dates.
Coming soon for Microsoft Teams: Users will have expanded options for searching for content related to a person. Users will be able to expand their search from a keyword search of a 1:1 chat to all results related to a person, with suggestions to search with or without a keyword. This message applies to Teams on Windows, Mac, and the web.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-August 2024 (previously early August) and expect to complete by late August 2024 (previously mid-August).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2024-08-07

updated:
2024-08-23

Task Type

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MS How does it affect me

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Direct effects for Operations**

Search Functionality Change
Users may experience confusion or frustration due to the new expanded search options, as they may not be familiar with the new functionality and how to effectively use it.
   - roles: End Users, Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2024/08/22/microsoft-teams-expanded-search-options-for-1-1-chats/

User Training and Documentation
Lack of preparation may lead to insufficient user training and outdated documentation, resulting in users not fully utilizing the new search features effectively.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, Documentation Specialists
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2024/08/22/microsoft-teams-expanded-search-options-for-1-1-chats/

Increased Support Requests
The introduction of new search features without prior user notification may lead to an increase in support requests as users seek help with the changes.
   - roles: Help Desk Staff, IT Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2024/08/22/microsoft-teams-expanded-search-options-for-1-1-chats/

Configutation Options**

Disable Expanded Search Options
Administrators can disable the expanded search options for 1:1 chats in Microsoft Teams if necessary.
   - technical instructions: Use the Teams admin center to navigate to 'Messaging policies' and create or modify a policy to disable the feature.
   - references: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/messaging-policies-in-teams, https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/manage-messaging-policies

Restrict User Access to Search Features
Control which users can access the expanded search feature by modifying user roles and permissions.
   - technical instructions: In the Teams admin center, go to 'Users', select a user, and adjust their roles and permissions accordingly.
   - references: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/manage-users-in-teams, https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/roles-in-teams

Notify Users of Changes
Inform users about the upcoming changes to search functionality in Teams to prepare them for the new feature.
   - technical instructions: Send a communication via email or Teams message detailing the changes and how to use the new search options effectively.
   - references: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/communicate-with-your-team, https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/teams-communication

Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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