Microsoft Teams and Outlook to Get Copilot Upgrades And UI Changes

Microsoft is rolling out new features for Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Outlook, focusing on usability, performance, and deeper AI integration through Copilot. The updates appear on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap and are scheduled to roll out gradually through mid-2026.

The changes introduce interface tweaks, resource optimizations, and new AI-powered workflows aimed at improving everyday productivity.

Microsoft Teams gets UI redesign and performance improvements

Microsoft plans a toolbar redesign for Teams in June 2026, aiming to simplify meeting controls and reduce accidental actions. Users will be able to pin, unpin, and reorder toolbar items, while the “Leave” button moves to the far-right side to avoid misclicks. The hand raise option will now sit under the reactions menu for better grouping.

This follows earlier adjustments, such as removing the Quit option from the Taskbar menu, which already streamlined the interface.

Alongside UI updates, Microsoft is introducing an Efficiency Mode designed to reduce system resource usage. This feature should improve performance on lower-end devices, although the activation method remains unclear.

Additional Teams updates include support for breakout rooms with up to 1,000 participants, expanding capabilities for large meetings and events. Microsoft will also disable the profanity filter by default for live captions in the EU to comply with regional regulations. Users will gain the ability to report external participants directly within meetings.

Outlook expands Copilot features and calendar tools

Microsoft Outlook is also receiving several updates, with a strong focus on Copilot integration and calendar management.

On iOS, users will be able to access Copilot directly from the file previewer, making it easier to summarize and interact with attachments. On Windows, Outlook will allow users to save calendar events as .ics files and preview them before importing, improving scheduling workflows. These features are expected to roll out in May.

A new meeting follow feature, expected in June 2026, will let users follow meetings even if they do not attend. The feature can prompt organizers to record sessions and send follow-up notifications, helping users stay informed without joining every call.

Microsoft is also adding Copilot account switching within the Outlook Calendar sidepane, making it easier to manage multiple accounts.

In July 2026, Outlook search will gain Copilot-powered summaries. These AI-generated summaries will appear directly in search results, with an option to continue exploring results through Copilot chat.

Availability may vary based on rollout and feedback

Microsoft notes that all listed features remain subject to change. Some updates may be delayed, modified, or canceled depending on user feedback and testing outcomes.

In related developments, Outlook Lite is shutting down as Microsoft encourages users to migrate to Outlook Mobile. The company also recently fixed a Teams meeting add-in issue that affected Classic Outlook users.

Via Neowin