check before: 2024-10-15
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 A version that is too far out of date will become incompatible with the service and the Desktop client will be blocked until the OS is updated.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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MS workload name
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summary for non-techies**
Starting October 15th, 2024, Microsoft Teams will begin notifying users with outdated operating systems to update, with functionality ceasing by January 15th, 2025, for Windows users and November 15th, 2024, for macOS 11 users; macOS 12 users have until March 15th, 2025. Certain Windows versions under the Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) will not be supported for Teams.
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**
Implement Regular OS Update Cadence
Establishing a regular cadence for OS updates will ensure that all devices remain on supported versions, reducing the risk of service disruption due to unsupported OS versions. This proactive approach can improve user experience by minimizing downtime and ensuring access to the latest features and security updates.
- next-steps: Develop a policy for regular OS updates, schedule update windows, and communicate the plan to all users. Utilize tools for automated updates where possible.
- roles: IT Administrators, Help Desk Support, End Users
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/update/get-started-updates-channels-tools#long-term-servicing-channel" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/update/get-started-updates-channels-tools#long-term-servicing-channel, https://docs.microsoft.com/lifecycle/policies/modern
Enhance User Communication and Training
Providing clear communication and training regarding the importance of OS updates and the implications of using unsupported versions can empower users to take action. This can lead to higher compliance rates with update policies and a smoother transition to supported OS versions.
- next-steps: Create informational materials, such as emails, intranet posts, or training sessions, to educate users about the update process and its importance. Consider feedback mechanisms to understand user concerns.
- roles: IT Administrators, Training Coordinators, End Users
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/new-teams-deploy-using-policies?tabs=teams-admin-center, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/new-teams-mac-install-prerequisites
Leverage Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
For organizations using VDI, ensuring that virtual environments are updated and supported can significantly reduce the burden on end-user devices. This approach can also centralize management and enhance security, as updates can be managed at the server level rather than individually on each device.
- next-steps: Evaluate current VDI deployments and assess the OS versions in use. Develop a strategy for regular updates and ensure that VDI solutions are compliant with Microsoft Teams requirements.
- roles: IT Administrators, Infrastructure Managers, End Users
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/new-teams-deploy-using-policies?tabs=teams-admin-center, https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/update/get-started-updates-channels-tools#long-term-servicing-channel" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/update/get-started-updates-channels-tools#long-term-servicing-channel
Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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