Microsoft Teams is gearing up for a major update, introducing threaded conversations and a unified view for chats and channels. Set to debut in public preview in November, this change is expected to streamline navigation and boost user engagement by integrating chats and channels under a single “Chat” tab. Users can access, organize, and customize conversations more efficiently, marking one of the most significant updates to Microsoft Teams’ UI in recent years.
Enhanced User Experience with Threaded Conversations
In a move long-awaited by users, Microsoft Teams is finally adding threaded conversations, slated for full release in mid-2025. This feature is designed to make it easier for users to follow specific discussions within a channel without losing context amid other ongoing chats. Previously, users had to switch between chats and channels, which many found disruptive and time-consuming. The threaded conversations update aims to make Microsoft Teams more user-friendly and efficient, aligning it with competing collaboration platforms that already offer similar capabilities.
Jeff Teper, President of Collaborative Apps and Platforms at Microsoft, explained the significance of these changes: “We’ve redesigned the chat and channels experience to simplify your digital workspace by bringing chats, teams, and channels into one place under Chat.” He emphasized that the unified UI is aimed at supporting critical workflows, making it easier for users to access, triage, and manage their conversations.
This update will also bring several new customization options. Users can choose to keep chats and channels separate, merge them, or create custom sections to group related conversations.
Additionally, a new “favorites” section will allow users to pin important chats and channels, making it quicker to locate critical discussions. With new options to see message previews, all channels in a single list, and timestamping, Microsoft Teams is building a more versatile and adaptable digital workspace.
With Microsoft Teams set to roll out this public preview next month, businesses should start planning how to leverage these features to enhance team collaboration. If your organization is considering Teams or has been using it for a while, now is the perfect time to explore its upcoming updates to stay ahead in the digital workspace.