Microsoft is bringing its popular online collaboration tool (opens in new tab) to its own store with the hope that even more users will download Microsoft Teams (opens in new tab) for desktop.
While you can use Teams on the web or on mobile through its iOS and Android apps, you’ll need to download the desktop version (opens in new tab) if you want to get the most out of the software. For instance, the ability to blur backgrounds during video calls as well as conduct one-on-one call recordings (opens in new tab) are only available on Teams for desktop.
According to a new post (opens in new tab) in the Microsoft 365 Roadmap, the Microsoft Teams app for work, school and life will soon be available to download from the Microsoft Store (opens in new tab) on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 beginning next month.
Although you can currently download the Teams desktop app from the software giant’s own site, bringing it to the Microsoft Store may make it easier for those just getting started with Windows, perhaps on a new business laptop (opens in new tab) or student laptop (opens in new tab), to find and install the app.
Keeping track of Teams app usage
With more businesses switching to a hybrid work (opens in new tab) model, IT teams are interested to know how employees use apps when they’re working from home (opens in new tab) or at the office.
In a separate post (opens in new tab) on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap, Microsoft has revealed that an updated version of the Teams app usage report with Line of Business apps will also be available next month.
> Microsoft Teams update offers a glimpse at the future of online collaboration (opens in new tab)
> The line is blurring between Microsoft Teams and actual phone calls (opens in new tab)
> Microsoft Teams update minimizes the opportunity for miscommunication (opens in new tab)
For those unfamiliar, the Teams app usage report provides admins with information on which apps employees are using in Teams. From project management software to time management apps, there are a number of first and third party apps (opens in new tab) available for Teams that allow users to do even more with Microsoft’s online collaboration software.
Once this update becomes generally available, admins will gain greater insights into which apps their organization’s workers are using in Teams. This could help them when putting together their IT budgets and deciding what kinds of software are worth investing in to help improve productivity.
- Hold meetings from anywhere with the best video conferencing software (opens in new tab)
