Microsoft is retiring Teams’ Together Mode

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FollowSee All MicrosoftMicrosoft is retiring Teams’ Together ModeThe company wants to focus on improving video quality and performance instead of gimmicks. The company wants to focus on improving video quality and performance instead of gimmicks. by Terrence O'Brien Terrence O'BrienWeekend EditorPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.

Technical Details

FollowSee All by Terrence O'BrienMay 17, 2026, 9:15 PM UTC GIF: Microsoft Terrence O'Brien Terrence O'BrienPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. FollowSee All by Terrence O'Brien is the Verge’s weekend editor. He has over 18 years of experience, including 10 years as managing editor at Engadget.

Microsoft launched Teams’ Together Mode during the pandemic to give the illusion of a bunch of people sitting in a conference room together, even if they were really sitting at home without pants on. But times have changed, and it’s now being retired in favor of a more simplified Teams experience. The feature used AI to cut your head and shoulds out, and place you in a virtual space with others in the meeting.

It could definitely feel gimmicky — especially when you’d tap co-workers on the shoulder, or give virtual high fives — but it did limit visual distractions. The changes are being rolled out gradually, but as they are, the Together Mode toggle will disappear from the view menu. And Together-specific features, such as scenes and seat assignments, will go along with it.

Industry Implications

Part of the reasoning, according to Microsoft, is to reduce fragmentation across various platforms. But it also cites a streamlined interface with fewer options, less clicking, and less confusion. It also says this will allow the company to focus on improving video quality, stability, and performance.

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This advance offers important signals about the future of the sector, and the tech world is watching closely.