Are you receiving alerts indicating that your access to Microsoft Teams may soon be restricted? Microsoft is enforcing a policy that leads to the blocking of the Teams desktop client if certain guidelines aren’t adhered to promptly.
Why Microsoft is Blocking Teams
Microsoft insists on users maintaining the latest versions of their applications. As a result, Windows 11 has made it significantly more challenging to disable automatic updates compared to previous operating systems. Starting in April 2025, if your installation of Teams is more than 90 days out-of-date compared to the latest update, access will be revoked. This policy applies irrespective of your subscription level; even premium users will be locked out if they’re using an outdated version.
While this approach may seem forceful, it encourages users to stay current, thereby ensuring a more secure and functional experience. Because Microsoft Teams is a cloud-based service, running an outdated desktop client not only compromises your security but may also adversely affect your interactions with others using updated applications.
With this method, Microsoft aims to unify user experience across its platform, preventing discrepancies caused by outdated software.
How to Keep Teams Updated
To ensure that you never lose access to Teams, regularly updating your desktop client is essential. Unlike desktop users, mobile app users are not experiencing access issues due to outdated software; however, they might encounter functionality problems.
By default, the Teams app should update automatically when you’re logged in and the application is idle. However, many users have found that automatic updates don’t always complete without manual intervention due to necessary permission adjustments for new features.
To maintain access, I suggest checking for updates at least once a month. Here are two quick methods to verify if updates are available:
- Upon launching Teams, click on the three-dot menu adjacent to your profile icon at the top right corner. If an update is available, you will see the option Update and restart Teams.
- Alternatively, access Settings by clicking the three-dot menu and selecting it. Go to About Teams at the bottom left, and in the right pane, select Update Now. If this option is absent, you are already using the latest version.
After initiating the update, Teams will restart. Depending on the update’s size, this may require some time.
How Frequently to Update
Microsoft releases updates for Teams bi-monthly, with an exception for significant vulnerabilities that may necessitate urgent updates. Although you don’t have to update immediately, note that you’ll have a 90-day grace period before being blocked for failing to do so.
You’ll receive warning notifications 60 days prior to potential access loss, allowing you to take action. Individual users can set Teams to auto-update, and it will proceed unless the update requires a manual installation step. Additionally, you can prevent automatic updates by closing Teams when it’s not in use.
To restrict Teams from starting automatically in the background, open the app, navigate to the three-dot menu, select Settings, and under General, deselect both Auto-start Teams and Open application in background.
For organizational use, administrators can pause user updates via the Teams Admin Center by creating a custom policy under Teams -> Teams Update. However, all users will still be required to update within the 90-day timeframe.
Accessing Microsoft Teams via the Web
If you are seeing notifications regarding your Teams access but prefer not to update or cannot do so for specific reasons, accessing Teams through the web interface remains a viable alternative. The web application is always current with the latest updates and features. You may want to explore the new version while keeping the desktop client closed until you’re ready to make the switch.
Support for Classic Teams Users No Longer Available
This policy specifically affects the new Teams desktop client, as the classic version initially included with Windows 10 is no longer receiving updates following its end of life. To prevent access issues, it’s crucial to upgrade to the new version promptly. This will not overwrite the classic version; uninstall it post-upgrade to ensure you’re utilizing the new features. Remember to keep the new version updated to maintain continuous access to Microsoft Teams. After upgrading, don’t forget to discover essential keyboard shortcuts to enhance your efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if I don’t update Microsoft Teams?
If you do not update Microsoft Teams within the designated 90-day period, you will lose access to the desktop application. Microsoft enforces this rule to ensure users are on the latest version for security and functionality.
2. How do I know if my Teams is up to date?
You can verify if your Teams client is up to date by clicking the three-dot menu next to your profile and selecting Update and restart Teams. Alternatively, go to Settings, navigate to About Teams, and click Update Now.
3. Can I use an old version of Teams indefinitely?
No, using an older version of Teams is not sustainable. Microsoft no longer supports older versions, and you will not receive updates or security patches, making it necessary to upgrade to the new Teams client.
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