The perplexing issue of conflicting Microsoft Teams clients on PC with similar names (differentiated only by the color of the letter T and the parenthesis stating free or work/school) has caused confusion among users for a significant period of time. This issue is finally being resolved as Microsoft plans to consolidate both client versions into one, allowing for seamless switching between multiple accounts with the click of an icon in the top right corner of the screen. This feature, now available for dual Teams windows with separate accounts, can also be accessed through taskbar icons, exemplified by the simultaneous display of light and dark-themed Teams in the image provided.
Furthermore, the frustrating problem of not being able to join meetings due to selecting the wrong account will also be eliminated. Users will now have the option to choose their account before entering a meeting or opt for a non-logged-in meeting entry if permitted by the room owner.
Microsoft has chosen to retain the full-named organizational client as “Microsoft Teams (work or school)”, while the other client “Microsoft Teams (free)” will be discontinued in the future. Subsequently, the primary client will be renamed to simply Microsoft Teams, without any additional qualifiers.
The new client version has already been rolled out for Windows Insiders and is expected to be released for general use in April 2024.
TLDR: Microsoft is resolving the issue of conflicting Teams clients on PC by merging them into one client, simplifying account switching and meeting entry. The organizational client will retain its full name while the free client will be phased out, with the primary client being renamed to Microsoft Teams. The new client version is currently available for Windows Insiders and will be released for general use in April 2024.
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