Microsoft Teams | VDI and Azure Virtual Desktops/Windows 365: New Plugin for SlimCore-based Optimization

Microsoft Teams is launching a new SlimCore-based optimization plugin for VDI environments to improve multimedia performance and simplify policy management. Rolling out from August to September 2025, it requires admins to update policies for new MSIX packages. BYOD devices update automatically; rollback isn't supported.

Introduction

Microsoft Teams is introducing a new SlimCore-based optimization plugin for VDI environments (VDI 2.0), designed to improve multimedia performance, simplify policy management, and enhance the user experience. The previous architecture used version-specific package identifiers, which triggered repeated permission prompts and complicated policy configurations. The new plugin architecture separates the SlimCore media engine into two MSIX packages—Host and Framework—allowing for more flexible versioning, streamlined installation, and consistent optimization across persistent and non-persistent virtual desktops.

The plugin is included with Remote Desktop Client version 1.2.6278 and Windows App version 2.0.550.0, and is compatible with Teams version 25153.1010.3727.5483 or higher.

When this will happen

• Public Preview: We will begin rolling out in late August 2025 and expect to complete by early September 2025.
• General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): We will begin rolling out in early September 2025 and expect to complete by mid-September 2025.
• General Availability (GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out in mid-September 2025 and expect to complete by late September 2025.

How this affects your organization

• Users will see a one-time permission prompt for microphone and camera access when launching Teams after the update. Once granted, they won’t be prompted again.
• Admins must update AppLocker, Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC), and BlockNonAdminUserInstall GPO policies to allow the new MSIX package family names:
  • Microsoft.Teams.SlimCoreVdiHost.win-x64_8wekyb3d8bbwe
  • Microsoft.Teams.SlimCoreVdiFwk.win-x64.<version>_8wekyb3d8bbwe
• The plugin automatically cleans up legacy “Microsoft Teams VDI” entries and replaces them with a single “Microsoft Teams VDI Optimizer” app.

SlimCore Host Package Installation View - Displays the new “Microsoft Teams VDI Optimizer” app entry in Installed Apps, replacing legacy entries:

 

SlimCore Framework Package Coexistence - Shows multiple versioned SlimCore Framework packages coexisting on the same endpoint:

 

What you can do to prepare

• BYOD devices: No admin action needed; plugin updates automatically and installs the new SlimCore packages without user intervention.
• Managed devices: Review and update policy configurations to allow the new MSIX packages and executable location.

Note: Rollback to a previous plugin version is not supported. Plugins can only be upgraded or reinstalled. Admins should validate plugin behavior in test environments before broad deployment.

Learn more: New VDI solution for Teams | Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Learn

Compliance considerations

Does the change alter how existing customer data is processed, stored, or accessed?	SlimCore media engine now runs from a new location and uses separate MSIX packages, which may affect endpoint monitoring and policy enforcement.
Does the change modify how admins can monitor, report on, or demonstrate compliance activities?	Admins must update AppLocker and WDAC policies to reflect new package names and executable paths.
Does the change include an admin control and, can it be controlled through Entra ID group membership?	Admins can manage Remote Desktop or Windows app (which bundle the plugin) rollout and permissions via GPO and policy controls.
Does the change allow a user to enable and disable the feature themselves?	On BYOD devices, plugin updates occur automatically without admin intervention, as long as the Remote Desktop or Windows app clients can update.