Table of Contents
- Will Your Organization Survive the Microsoft Teams Classic Shutdown? Essential Steps to a Smooth Upgrade
- Key Facts and Timeline
- End of Support: July 1, 2024
- End of Availability: July 1, 2025
- Mandatory Upgrade
- What Does This Mean for You?
- Immediate Action Required
- No Grace Period
- Feature Removal as a Push
- Steps to Ensure a Smooth Transition
- Step 1: Upgrade Early
- Step 2: Check Device Compatibility
- Step 3: Prepare Your Environment
- Step 4: Communicate with Users
- Step 5: Test and Train
- Why This Change Is Positive
Will Your Organization Survive the Microsoft Teams Classic Shutdown? Essential Steps to a Smooth Upgrade
Microsoft is officially retiring the Classic Teams client (version 1.0) on July 1, 2025. After this date, the classic app will no longer function on Windows and Mac desktops, and users will be blocked from accessing it. This marks a significant and irreversible change in how organizations use Microsoft Teams.
Key Facts and Timeline
End of Support: July 1, 2024
No more updates, bug fixes, or security patches for Classic Teams after this date, increasing security risks for continued use.
End of Availability: July 1, 2025
Classic Teams will be completely disabled and unusable. Users will see a blocking message and cannot bypass or dismiss it.
Mandatory Upgrade
All users must transition to the new Teams client (Teams 2.0) or use Teams via the web to maintain uninterrupted collaboration and communication.
What Does This Mean for You?
Immediate Action Required
If your organization still relies on Classic Teams, you must plan and execute the upgrade to Teams 2.0 well before July 1, 2025, to avoid sudden disruption.
No Grace Period
Once the deadline passes, Classic Teams will stop working entirely. There will be no way to revert or continue using the old app.
Feature Removal as a Push
Microsoft has already started removing core features (like the ability to open files directly in Classic Teams) to encourage migration.
Steps to Ensure a Smooth Transition
Step 1: Upgrade Early
Move to the new Teams desktop app or start using Teams on the web as soon as possible to avoid last-minute issues.
Step 2: Check Device Compatibility
Use Microsoft’s official readiness script to identify devices that may need updates or do not meet the requirements for Teams 2.0.
Step 3: Prepare Your Environment
Ensure your operating systems and infrastructure are compatible with the new Teams client.
Step 4: Communicate with Users
Inform all stakeholders about the change, the deadline, and the steps they need to take.
Step 5: Test and Train
Familiarize your team with the new interface and features of Teams 2.0 to minimize productivity loss during the transition.
Why This Change Is Positive
- Enhanced Performance: The new Teams client is faster, more efficient, and designed for modern workflows.
- Improved Security: Staying updated ensures your organization benefits from the latest security enhancements and compliance features.
- Streamlined Experience: Teams 2.0 offers a simpler, more adaptable user experience, reducing complexity for end users.
“Waiting until the last minute could disrupt communication and collaboration across teams. Let’s ensure a smooth transition and avoid unnecessary downtime.”
The retirement of Microsoft Teams Classic is a critical change. Proactive planning and early migration to Teams 2.0 will help you avoid negative impacts and take full advantage of Microsoft’s latest collaboration tools. Don’t wait-start your upgrade today for a seamless, secure, and future-ready communication environment.