Microsoft unveils faster and redesigned Teams app for Windows and Mac

Microsoft has released an enhanced version of its Microsoft Teams chat client, boasting improved speed and efficiency.

This rebuilt Teams app promises to be up to two times faster while using 50 percent less memory. This is excellent news for users who have experienced Teams as a resource-intensive application, particularly on older computers. Installation is expected to be three times faster, meetings can be launched or joined twice as quickly, and the app now occupies 70 percent less disk space.

Microsoft achieved these performance enhancements by moving away from the Electron foundations of Teams and adopting Microsoft's Edge WebView2 technology. They also switched to the React JavaScript library and improved the app's design using the Fluent design language system.

While the new Teams app was initially lacking some features during the preview phase, Microsoft has now brought it up to speed. It includes full feature parity for almost all functionalities, such as custom line-of-business apps, third-party apps, breakout rooms, 7x7 video, call queues, PSTN calling, contextual search in chats and channels, cross-posting channel conversations, and more.

Microsoft intends to deliver new Teams features exclusively on this new client, so users will need to upgrade. However, there is no migration required, making the transition straightforward. "Classic Teams" users will be automatically upgraded to the new Teams version over the next few months.

For Mac users, the final release brings performance enhancements, including faster switching between chats and channels and a smoother scrolling experience. It works natively on all Mac devices

This new Teams client serves as the foundation for Microsoft's AI-powered Copilot feature in Teams. Users can utilize Copilot to summarize meetings, read action items, and efficiently navigate conversations to focus on key points.

Enterprise users will find an option to upgrade to the new Teams client, which will become the default app in the monthly enterprise channel starting in December. The upgrade process involves toggling a switch in the upper-left corner of the existing Teams app. Microsoft has provided a detailed rollout schedule for different Microsoft 365 users.