New Teams FAQ


 

OVERVIEW

Target audience: These FAQs are for the entire McGill community

As part of the Microsoft 365 offering, Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform offering workspace chat, videoconferencing and file storage. The solution helps you communicate and organize information in a single area. It creates a central location where you can:

FAQs about the New Teams:

info
announcement

IMPORTANT:

Microsoft Teams is a McGill-approved Cloud Service. Teams data is stored on Microsoft infrastructure located in North America. Although you can store protected and personal data in Teams, it must not be used to store certain types of regulated data. For definitions of the various types of institutional data and guidance about which type of data cannot be stored in Teams, see Cloud services that have been approved/rejected for McGill use (This list is only accessible to faculty and staff members).

announcement

New Teams availability!

As of March 1st, 2024, the New Teams will be automatically installed on all McGill managed computers. Until March 31st, users will still be able to switch between Classic and New Teams. After that date, Microsoft will uninstall Classic Teams, so switching back will no longer be possible. Visit Microsoft's website: Classic Teams users to be updated to new Teams after March 31st for more details.

When is the New Teams available?

The New Teams will be available to all McGill users starting March 1st.

How do I install the New Teams?

On March 1st, a pop up from Teams will ask you to download and upgrade to the new Teams. Follow the instructions (also available here Switch to the new Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Support)

There was an error in the upgrade.

Download the new Teams app directly from Microsoft’s website here.

How do I switch to the New Teams?

Simply click on this link and follow the instructions: Switch to the new Microsoft Teams in Microsoft Support

What will be my experience with Teams after March 31, 2024?

After March 31, 2024, if you’re already running on new Teams, there will be no change in behavior. Your Teams will continue working as expected. Users on classic Teams will be automatically updated to the new Teams client and won’t be able to switch back to classic Teams after this date, because classic Teams will no longer be functional.

What happens after March 31, 2024 if I have not updated to the new Teams ?

If you try to open Classic Teams, the following message will be displayed, and classic Teams won't work anymore.

To use Teams after this point, install the new Teams client (see point 3 to install the new version of Teams) or use Teams on the web.

What are the main benefits of the New Teams?

The New Teams is…

Faster: The app will be up to twice as fast while consuming up to 50% less resources.

Simpler: A more polished, responsive User experience that’s easier to navigate so you can get more done

Smarter: The foundation for next-generation AI experience will help you work smarter and level-up your productivity.

More flexible: It's easier to switch between multiple Microsoft 365/Teams accounts.

Can I switch back to the Classic Teams?

Until March 31st: you can switch between the classic Teams and the new Teams. A toggle button is available for switching between the 2 versions.
By March 31: Microsoft will abandon the classic Teams and upgrade all users to the new Teams.

Is the new teams available on the web version?

Yes, you can already use the new Teams on the web version.

What is changing?

Please read the Features that are changing in the New Microsoft Teams for more details.

How does the new Teams compare with classic Teams?

Here are the major changes:

Feature

Classic Teams

Modern Teams

Interface

Traditional layout with a focus on simplicity and ease of navigation.

Updated, more intuitive design with streamlined navigation.

Performance

Stable, but may feel slower compared to the modern version due to older architecture.

Enhanced performance with faster load times and improved responsiveness.

Collaboration Tools

Standard collaboration tools including chat, meetings, and file sharing.

Advanced collaboration features, such as integrated apps and workflows, better meeting experiences.

Customization

Limited customization options for teams and channels.

Extensive customization options, including the ability to integrate a wide range of third-party apps and services.

Security and Compliance

Basic security features and compliance capabilities.

Enhanced security features and advanced compliance tools, reflecting the latest in data protection and governance.

Integration with Office 365

Seamless integration with Office 365 apps, but with some limitations in advanced features.

Deeper integration with Office 365, offering more advanced features and smoother workflows.

Support for External Users

Support for external guests with some restrictions.

Improved support for external collaboration, with easier access and better control for guests.

Updates and Evolution

Receives essential updates, but new features are primarily developed for the modern version.

Regularly updated with new features and improvements to enhance productivity and user experience.

What should I do if I can’t find a feature in the new Teams or I noticed a bug with the new Teams?

This might be one of the known issues already recognized by Microsoft Known issues in the new Microsoft Teams desktop client

If you don’t see the bug in the list, please contact the Service Desk and describe your problem.

 

references

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES: