Microsoft is closing the chapter on Classic Teams, but not without making one final — and somewhat surprising — change. Ahead of its full retirement, a key feature is being removed from Classic Teams, signaling that the shift to the new Teams experience isn’t just about performance — it’s about changing how we work altogether.
The End of an Era
For many businesses and organizations, Classic Teams has been the go-to collaboration tool since the early days of the remote work boom. Over the years, it’s been updated, patched, and expanded. But now, Microsoft has set its sights firmly on the future with the new Teams app, and Classic Teams is officially on its way out.
As part of the transition, Microsoft has started removing support for certain features in the Classic version. Most notably, one major capability — data export through Teams Export APIs for chat messages — is being deprecated ahead of schedule. Organizations relying on this feature for compliance or backup purposes are being urged to shift to the new Teams platform, which supports similar functionality in a revamped, modernized format.
Why the Change Now?
Microsoft has been transparent about its desire to streamline the Teams experience. The new version, often referred to as "New Teams," is faster, more efficient, and optimized for hybrid work. It loads twice as fast, uses 50% less memory, and includes a simplified user interface.
Removing features from Classic Teams before the shutdown helps Microsoft nudge users — and IT departments — toward adoption of the new app. It also reduces the support load as fewer teams need to maintain legacy architecture. In Microsoft's view, it’s about simplifying their ecosystem, improving security, and delivering a consistent experience across platforms.
What Does This Mean for IT Admins and Users?
For organizations still clinging to Classic Teams, this change should be a wake-up call. Any workflows, automations, or compliance processes that depend on deprecated APIs or legacy features may break without notice if migration isn't handled proactively.
Admins should immediately assess their usage of Classic Teams features and begin testing and rolling out the new Teams client across their environment. Microsoft has provided migration documentation and tools, but the onus is now on businesses to make the move before the full sunset date hits.
The removal of a key feature in Classic Teams is more than just a technical update — it's symbolic of a broader shift in how Microsoft is positioning its productivity tools. The company is doubling down on modern, AI-integrated, cloud-optimized platforms. Classic Teams was never built for the scale and complexity of today’s digital workplaces, and this change marks its final bow.
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