Microsoft Teams to Phase Out Older Client Versions 

Microsoft has provided detailed information about its decision to discontinue support for the legacy messaging framework of Microsoft Teams. Emphasizing the need for users to remain current with updates, the tech giant aims to prevent potential service disruptions and related issues.

Outdated Versions Face Messaging Challenges

Come March 31, 2024, Microsoft will cease support for the older chat messaging infrastructure. Consequently, Teams users with versions exceeding three months may encounter delays in individual and group chats, as well as channel communications.

This transition pertains to Microsoft Teams for Desktop, iOS, Android, and the Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI) clients. However, this alteration won’t impact functionalities on phones, dashboards, meeting spaces, Surface Hubs, or the web-based version.

To assist users in this transition, Microsoft has shared a concise tutorial on updating Teams across various devices. IT admins are encouraged to relay this guidance to ensure their teams are operating on the most recent version.

While the Desktop client often auto-updates monthly, users who neglect to restart might experience crashes on outdated versions. Those needing to manually update can do so via Microsoft’s official download page. While Windows users can install without admin permissions, Mac users will need them.

Steps to Update Microsoft Teams:

1. Within Microsoft Teams, click on the ellipsis (…) adjacent to your profile photo.
2. Choose ‘Check for updates’. A notification might state: “We will check for and install any updates while you continue to work.”
3. The update link should appear shortly, initiating the download of the latest Teams version.
4. If you’re already on the newest version, the banner will confirm this, and no further action is needed.
5. Proceed by clicking the provided update link.

Mobile Users: Keep Your App Current

For those on mobile platforms, updates are exclusively available through the respective app stores. To ensure you have the latest version of Microsoft Teams:

• Navigate to Google Play for Android or the App Store for iOS.
• Search for Microsoft Teams and check for any available updates.