Microsoft Teams Plans Chat Organization Overhaul for May 2026

Microsoft is rolling out a new set of Microsoft Teams features aimed at improving chat organization and reducing clutter, according to the Microsoft 365 Roadmap. The updates are expected to begin rolling out in May 2026 and focus heavily on simplifying navigation and making important conversations easier to find.

New chat categories aim to reduce clutter

At the core of the update is a new chat categorization system designed to separate conversations by type. Muted chats will now appear in their own dedicated section by default, helping users keep low-priority discussions out of the main view.

Meeting chats will also get a separate section, although this feature will be optional and disabled by default, giving users more control over how their chat list is structured.

Unread toggle makes message tracking easier

Microsoft is also refining how unread messages are handled. A new eye icon will allow users to quickly toggle between unread and read messages within sections, removing the need for multiple clicks and making it easier to catch up on conversations.

This change should streamline workflows, especially for users managing high volumes of messages.

Visual indicators highlight important activity

Visual indicators are also getting an update. Unmuted chats will now feature a purple indicator, while mentions and followed threads will display purple counters.

These changes aim to make important interactions stand out more clearly, reducing the chances of missing key updates.

macOS gets improved sharing and annotations

On macOS, Microsoft is introducing the ability to share a single app window during meetings. This feature, which had previously been delayed, is now scheduled to roll out in May.

Participants will also be able to annotate directly on shared content, adding more interactivity to meetings on Apple devices.

Part of broader Teams usability improvements

Overall, these updates are part of Microsoft’s broader effort to clean up the Teams interface and improve usability across platforms. By reorganizing chats, enhancing visibility, and simplifying controls, Microsoft is continuing to refine the Teams experience for both casual and enterprise users.

In other news, Microsoft is adding a new Voice and Face enrollment dashboard for Teams admins, while also working on a chat-based workflow creation feature. At the same time, the company plans to retire legacy meeting controls in Teams.

Via Neowin