MC898394 – Stay current with your OS to keep your Microsoft Teams desktop client supported (archived)

Product:

Teams, Windows, Windows Virtual Desktop

Platform:

Mac, Online, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

User impact, Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
The message details the importance of keeping the OS updated for Microsoft Teams desktop client support, outlining the timelines when unsupported OS versions will receive notifications and eventually be blocked from using the client. It also provides links to the lifecycle policies and steps for preparation.

Details:
Microsoft Teams is governed by the Modern Lifecycle Policy, the Teams desktop client needs to be under a supported OS version. This is to ensure that users have the latest updates, capabilities, performance enhancements, security features, and service compatibility.
On new Teams, users on OS versions that are not supported will receive in-app notifications to encourage them to update their device to a supported OS version. A version that is too far out of date will become incompatible with the service and the Desktop client will be blocked until the OS is updated.
Windows OSes support dates and lifecycle policy are documented in Product and Service lifecycle page. For example, OSes such as Windows LTSC and OSes under Long Term Serving Channel (LTSC), are not supported as they follow the Fixed lifecycle policy.
MacOS typically receives support for three years following its release, with the end of support coinciding with the launch of the third subsequent major macOS version. For example, once macOS 15 is released, macOS 12 will no longer be supported.
[When this will happen:]
This will be shown on the new Teams client starting on October 15th, 2024. Note, users on Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) deployments are currently excluded.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2024-09-26

updated:
2024-09-26

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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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

OS Compatibility Issues
Users on unsupported OS versions will receive notifications and may be blocked from using Microsoft Teams, leading to disruption in communication and collaboration.
   - roles: End Users, IT Administrators
   - references: https://docs.microsoft.com/lifecycle/policies/modern, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/new-teams-deploy-using-policies?tabs=teams-admin-center " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/new-teams-deploy-using-policies?tabs=teams-admin-center

User Experience Degradation
Users may experience a degraded experience with Teams if they are on outdated OS versions, missing out on new features and performance improvements.
   - roles: End Users, Support Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/new-teams-mac-install-prerequisites, https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/update/get-started-updates-channels-tools#long-term-servicing-channel

Increased Support Requests
Blocking of the Teams client for unsupported OS versions will likely lead to an increase in support requests from users needing assistance to update their OS.
   - roles: Support Staff, IT Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/teams-classic-client-end-of-availability#what-happens-if-we-cant-update-users-to-new-teams, https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/products/ " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/products/

Operational Disruption
If users cannot access Teams due to OS incompatibility, it may lead to operational disruptions, affecting productivity and collaboration.
   - roles: End Users, Team Leaders
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/new-teams-deploy-using-policies?tabs=teams-admin-center, https://docs.microsoft.com/lifecycle/policies/modern " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://docs.microsoft.com/lifecycle/policies/modern

Compliance Risks
Using unsupported OS versions may expose the organization to compliance risks, as security updates and features may not be available.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/products/, https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/update/get-started-updates-channels-tools#long-term-servicing-channel

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**

Imagine your computer's operating system (OS) as the foundation of a house. Just like a house needs a solid foundation to stand strong, your computer needs an up-to-date OS to run applications smoothly and securely. Microsoft Teams, a tool many of us use for communication and collaboration, relies on this foundation to function properly.

Starting from October 15th, 2024, if your OS is outdated, you will start seeing notifications within Teams, reminding you to update your OS. Think of these notifications as gentle nudges, similar to a reminder from your home security system to update its software to keep your house safe. If you ignore these reminders, eventually, by January 15th, 2025, Teams will stop working on your computer until you update your OS. This is like your home security system refusing to operate until you update it, ensuring it can protect you effectively.

For those using macOS, the timeline is slightly different. If you're using macOS 11 (Big Sur) or older, you'll start seeing notifications from October 15th, 2024, and by November 15th, 2024, Teams will stop working until you update your OS. For macOS 12 (Monterey) users, notifications will start on November 15th, 2024, with the final cutoff on March 15th, 2025.

It's important to note that certain versions of Windows, like those under the Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC), follow a different update schedule and won't be supported for Teams. This is akin to having an older model of a home appliance that no longer receives updates from the manufacturer.

To avoid any disruption in your daily work, it's a good idea to keep your OS updated regularly. This ensures that you can continue using Microsoft Teams without any interruptions and benefit from the latest features, performance improvements, and security enhancements.

For more detailed information on the lifecycle policies and steps to prepare for these changes, you can visit the provided links.