Why Are Microsoft Teams Clients Older Than 90 Days Being Blocked? Here’s What You Need to Know

Is Your Microsoft Teams App About to Stop Working? Critical Update Details Explained

Microsoft Teams users need to act fast. If your app hasn’t been updated in the last 90 days, it’s about to face a hard stop. Microsoft has implemented strict measures to ensure security and compliance, and outdated versions of Teams are no longer welcome. Let me break this down for you.

Microsoft Teams operates under the Modern Lifecycle Policy. This policy mandates that users always run the latest version of the app. Why? Because outdated software is a breeding ground for vulnerabilities, bugs, and compatibility issues. Starting now, any Teams desktop client older than 90 days will be blocked from functioning entirely.

Here’s the timeline:

• April 11, 2025: Windows desktop app users face blocking.
• May 6, 2025: Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environment apps will stop working.
• May 15, 2025: Mac desktop app users hit the cutoff date.

If your app hasn’t been updated by these dates, you’ll see a blocking page instead of your usual Teams interface. Game over—unless you update.

Why Is Microsoft Doing This?

Think of it like driving an old car without seatbelts—it’s risky and outdated. Microsoft wants to ensure that all users are running secure, optimized versions of Teams. Automatic updates usually handle this for most users, but if you’ve turned off updates or ignored notifications, you’re in trouble.

Outdated apps can expose organizations to cyber threats, compliance violations, and performance issues. By enforcing this policy, Microsoft is tightening security and standardizing user experiences across its ecosystem.

What Happens If You Don’t Update?

Microsoft isn’t pulling any punches here:

• In-App Warning Banner: Users will see a notification 60 days before their app gets blocked (30 days for VDI users).
• Blocking Page: Once the deadline hits, the app stops working altogether. No calls, no chats—nothing.

To keep things simple: if your app is older than three months, it’s toast unless you update it.

How Can You Fix This?

Updating your Teams client is straightforward:

Solution 1: Download the Latest Version

Head to the Microsoft Teams download page and grab the newest version for your device.

Solution 2: Use Teams on the Web

If updating isn’t an option right away, switch to the web-based version of Teams temporarily at teams.microsoft.com.

Solution 3: Enable Automatic Updates

Administrators should ensure auto-updates are enabled for all devices in their organization to avoid future interruptions.

Key Takeaways for Administrators

Admins play a crucial role in preventing disruptions:

• Audit Devices Regularly: Check which versions of Teams are installed across your organization’s devices.
• Enable Auto-Updates: Configure settings so that updates happen automatically without user intervention.
• Communicate Proactively: Inform employees about these changes before they encounter issues.

Why Should You Care?

Imagine trying to join an important meeting only to find out your app is blocked—it’s not just inconvenient; it could damage productivity and reputation. Staying updated isn’t just about compliance; it’s about keeping your workflow smooth and secure.

This policy might feel like a hassle at first glance, but it’s ultimately about protecting users and organizations from risks associated with outdated software. Updating your Teams client is quick and easy—don’t wait until it’s too late.

If you’re an admin or user who hasn’t checked your app’s version in a while, now is the time to act. Staying current ensures uninterrupted access to one of the most essential collaboration tools in today’s workplace.