Microsoft Teams upgrade starting March 31st

Melanie Green, with the department of communications, holds a graduation class discussion group in Baldy Hall in February 2024.

Photo: Douglas Levere

Published March 14, 2024

Microsoft Teams is getting a new look and updated features. It’s available to preview now, but all UB students, faculty and staff will be using the latest version by early April 2024.

A faster, simpler, and more flexible Teams experience

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Sarah Zamer - IT Communications Specialist.

Sarah Zamer joined UB in January 2023 as an IT Communications Specialist for UBIT, focusing on video production. Prior to UB, she spent over a decade in the television news industry as a Director/Producer. A Buffalo native, Sarah enjoys spending time in Western New York with her family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, bowling, and the occasional round of golf.

 

 

Whether it’s chatting with your team, checking your calendar, making calls, or working on projects/assignments, Microsoft Teams has provided an effective collaboration tool for the campus.  

The new Teams app is twice as fast while consuming 50% less memory on your device. Its sleek design allows for simplified meetings, less clutter with notifications and messages, and more ability to customize your settings in Teams conversations. 

Microsoft Teams is also making important improvements for accessibility. There are enhancements for those who use screen readers to avoid repeated information, interpret the app, and arrange channel conversations. There are also more keyboard shortcut options so you can get your tasks done, with fewer key presses.  

The new Teams offers an improved contact search to provide fast results when searching for colleagues. You can also chat with and meet with others outside of UB. 

Learn more about Microsoft Teams at UB

When will I receive the new Teams upgrade?

Students, faculty, and staff at UB will see a change to the new Teams app starting March 31, 2024. This will be a gradual rollout to the UB community over a few weeks, so you may not receive the upgrade right away.  

How do I get the new Microsoft Teams on my device?

If you have Microsoft 365 installed on your computer, you will automatically receive the new Teams over the next few weeks beginning on March 31.  Make sure your Microsoft 365 applications are installed and up to date. 

Can I try the new Microsoft Teams before it is updated on my device?

You can preview the new version of Teams immediately. Toggle the “Try the new Teams” button on the top left side of your current Teams app to make the switch today. 

Need help?

If you need help getting Microsoft 365 or any UB provided software installed on your device, contact the UBIT Help Center at buffalo.edu/ubit/help or by phone at 716-645-3542.