Microsoft Teams | VDI for Azure Virtual Desktops/Windows 365 and Citrix: macOS support with new SlimCore optimization

Message Center ID: MC1151241
Microsoft Teams
Stay Informed
New feature User impact
February 2026 March 2026
Mac

Summary

Microsoft Teams for macOS on Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and Citrix will switch to the SlimCore media engine by March 2026, enhancing performance, meeting features, telephony, and supportability. Users must update Teams and install specific clients or plugins to enable these improvements.

Details

Updated December 16, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.

[Introduction]

Microsoft Teams optimization with the new SlimCore-based media engine is now available for macOS endpoints connecting to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), Windows 365, or Citrix DaaS/CVAD environments. This redesigned Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solution replaces the legacy WebRTC-based optimization and delivers enhanced performance, reliability, security, and streamlined support. It also simplifies media engine updates without requiring frequent upgrades to VDI infrastructure or clients.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 502524.

[When this will happen:]
  • Targeted Release: Begins mid-February 2026 (previously mid-January), completes late February 2026 (previously late January).
  • General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): Begins mid-March 2026 (previously late January), completes late March 2026 (previously mid-February).
[How this affects your organization:]
  • Who is affected: macOS users connecting to AVD, Windows 365, or Citrix DaaS/CVAD environments using Microsoft Teams.
  • What will happen:
    • Teams will use the SlimCore media engine instead of WebRTC for optimized VDI experiences.
    • Advanced meeting capabilities:
      • Gallery View 3x3 and 7x7
      • Background images from My Organization
      • 1080p video resolution
      • Include computer sound while screen sharing
      • Hardware acceleration on the endpoint
    • Telephony and voice capabilities:
      • Location Based Routing and Media Bypass
      • Quality of Service (QoS)
      • Noise suppression
    • Better supportability:
      • Teams Admin Center integration
      • Call Quality Dashboard support
      • Simplified media engine updates via Plugin
[What you can do to prepare:]
  • Ensure users have Teams version 25269.x.x.x or higher (available October 2025).
  • For AVD/Windows 365:
    • Install the non-Store Windows App client (.pkg file) (Download).
    • Note: Store version does not support SlimCore optimization.

Figure i. Download page for non-store Client

user settings

  • For Citrix DaaS/CVAD:
    • Ensure Citrix Workspace App version 2505 or higher is installed.
    • Install the Plugin:
    • After deployment, users will be upgraded to the new optimization stack automatically after restarting Teams once rollout begins.
    • Update internal documentation and inform helpdesk staff.

    [Compliance considerations:]

    QuestionImpact
    Does the change alter how admins can monitor,Additional monitoring and reporting capabilities are exposed in Teams Admin Center and Call Quality Dashboard, including call/meeting details and Plugin/SlimCore version tracking.

    Related Roadmap Items

    🗺️ Roadmap ID: 502524

    Change History

    Published: September 10, 2025
    Last Updated: December 16, 2025
    December 16, 2025 at 8:30 PM Updated
    Summary
    Previous
    Microsoft Teams introduces SlimCore media engine optimization for macOS users on Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and Citrix, replacing WebRTC. Launch begins January 2026, enhancing meeting features, telephony, and supportability. Preparation includes updating Teams and installing specific clients or plugins. Monitoring tools are improved.
    New
    Microsoft Teams for macOS on Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and Citrix will switch to the SlimCore media engine by March 2026, enhancing performance, meeting features, telephony, and supportability. Users must update Teams and install specific clients or plugins to enable these improvements.
    Last Updated Date
    Previous
    2025-10-17T17:18:40.707Z
    New
    2025-12-16T19:28:55.807Z
    Body Content
    Previous

    Updated October 17, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.

    [Introduction]

    Microsoft Teams optimization with the new SlimCore-based media engine is now available for macOS endpoints connecting to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), Windows 365, or Citrix DaaS/CVAD environments. This redesigned Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solution replaces the legacy WebRTC-based optimization and delivers enhanced performance, reliability, security, and streamlined support. It also simplifies media engine updates without requiring frequent upgrades to VDI infrastructure or clients.

    This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 502524.

    [When this will happen:]
    • Targeted Release: Begins mid-January 2026 (previously early November), completes late January 2026 (previously late November).
    • General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): Begins late January 2026 (previously mid-December), completes mid-February 2026 (previously mid-January).
    [How this affects your organization:]
    • Who is affected: macOS users connecting to AVD, Windows 365, or Citrix DaaS/CVAD environments using Microsoft Teams.
    • What will happen:
      • Teams will use the SlimCore media engine instead of WebRTC for optimized VDI experiences.
      • Advanced meeting capabilities:
        • Gallery View 3x3 and 7x7
        • Background images from My Organization
        • 1080p video resolution
        • Include computer sound while screen sharing
        • Hardware acceleration on the endpoint
      • Telephony and voice capabilities:
        • Location Based Routing and Media Bypass
        • Quality of Service (QoS)
        • Noise suppression
      • Better supportability:
        • Teams Admin Center integration
        • Call Quality Dashboard support
        • Simplified media engine updates via Plugin
    [What you can do to prepare:]
    • Ensure users have Teams version 25269.x.x.x or higher (available October 2025).
    • For AVD/Windows 365:
      • Install the non-Store Windows App client (.pkg file) (Download).
      • Note: Store version does not support SlimCore optimization.

    Figure i. Download page for non-store Client

    user settings

    • For Citrix DaaS/CVAD:
      • Ensure Citrix Workspace App version 2505 or higher is installed.
      • Install the Plugin:
      • After deployment, users will be upgraded to the new optimization stack automatically after restarting Teams once rollout begins.
      • Update internal documentation and inform helpdesk staff.

      [Compliance considerations:]

      QuestionImpact
      Does the change alter how admins can monitor,Additional monitoring and reporting capabilities are exposed in Teams Admin Center and Call Quality Dashboard, including call/meeting details and Plugin/SlimCore version tracking.

      New

      Updated December 16, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.

      [Introduction]

      Microsoft Teams optimization with the new SlimCore-based media engine is now available for macOS endpoints connecting to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), Windows 365, or Citrix DaaS/CVAD environments. This redesigned Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solution replaces the legacy WebRTC-based optimization and delivers enhanced performance, reliability, security, and streamlined support. It also simplifies media engine updates without requiring frequent upgrades to VDI infrastructure or clients.

      This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 502524.

      [When this will happen:]
      • Targeted Release: Begins mid-February 2026 (previously mid-January), completes late February 2026 (previously late January).
      • General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): Begins mid-March 2026 (previously late January), completes late March 2026 (previously mid-February).
      [How this affects your organization:]
      • Who is affected: macOS users connecting to AVD, Windows 365, or Citrix DaaS/CVAD environments using Microsoft Teams.
      • What will happen:
        • Teams will use the SlimCore media engine instead of WebRTC for optimized VDI experiences.
        • Advanced meeting capabilities:
          • Gallery View 3x3 and 7x7
          • Background images from My Organization
          • 1080p video resolution
          • Include computer sound while screen sharing
          • Hardware acceleration on the endpoint
        • Telephony and voice capabilities:
          • Location Based Routing and Media Bypass
          • Quality of Service (QoS)
          • Noise suppression
        • Better supportability:
          • Teams Admin Center integration
          • Call Quality Dashboard support
          • Simplified media engine updates via Plugin
      [What you can do to prepare:]
      • Ensure users have Teams version 25269.x.x.x or higher (available October 2025).
      • For AVD/Windows 365:
        • Install the non-Store Windows App client (.pkg file) (Download).
        • Note: Store version does not support SlimCore optimization.

      Figure i. Download page for non-store Client

      user settings

      • For Citrix DaaS/CVAD:
        • Ensure Citrix Workspace App version 2505 or higher is installed.
        • Install the Plugin:
        • After deployment, users will be upgraded to the new optimization stack automatically after restarting Teams once rollout begins.
        • Update internal documentation and inform helpdesk staff.

        [Compliance considerations:]

        QuestionImpact
        Does the change alter how admins can monitor,Additional monitoring and reporting capabilities are exposed in Teams Admin Center and Call Quality Dashboard, including call/meeting details and Plugin/SlimCore version tracking.

        October 17, 2025 at 6:30 PM Updated
        Summary
        Previous
        Microsoft Teams for macOS on Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and Citrix now uses the SlimCore media engine, replacing WebRTC for improved performance, advanced meeting features, telephony enhancements, and better support. Rollout starts November 2025; users need updated Teams and specific client/plugin versions.
        New
        Microsoft Teams introduces SlimCore media engine optimization for macOS users on Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and Citrix, replacing WebRTC. Launch begins January 2026, enhancing meeting features, telephony, and supportability. Preparation includes updating Teams and installing specific clients or plugins. Monitoring tools are improved.
        Last Updated Date
        Previous
        2025-09-26T16:57:14.723Z
        New
        2025-10-17T17:18:40.707Z
        Body Content
        Previous

        Updated September 26, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.

        [Introduction]

        Microsoft Teams optimization with the new SlimCore-based media engine is now available for macOS endpoints connecting to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), Windows 365, or Citrix DaaS/CVAD environments. This redesigned Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solution replaces the legacy WebRTC-based optimization and delivers enhanced performance, reliability, security, and streamlined support. It also simplifies media engine updates without requiring frequent upgrades to VDI infrastructure or clients.

        This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 502524.

        [When this will happen:]
        • Targeted Release: Begins early November 2025, completes late November 2025.
        • General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): Begins mid-December 2025, completes mid-January 2026.
        [How this affects your organization:]
        • Who is affected: macOS users connecting to AVD, Windows 365, or Citrix DaaS/CVAD environments using Microsoft Teams.
        • What will happen:
          • Teams will use the SlimCore media engine instead of WebRTC for optimized VDI experiences.
          • Advanced meeting capabilities:
            • Gallery View 3x3 and 7x7
            • Background images from My Organization
            • 1080p video resolution
            • Include computer sound while screen sharing
            • Hardware acceleration on the endpoint
          • Telephony and voice capabilities:
            • Location Based Routing and Media Bypass
            • Quality of Service (QoS)
            • Noise suppression
          • Better supportability:
            • Teams Admin Center integration
            • Call Quality Dashboard support
            • Simplified media engine updates via Plugin
        [What you can do to prepare:]
        • Ensure users have Teams version 25269.x.x.x or higher (available October 2025).
        • For AVD/Windows 365:
          • Install the non-Store Windows App client (.pkg file) (Download).
          • Note: Store version does not support SlimCore optimization.

        Figure i. Download page for non-store Client

        user settings

        • For Citrix DaaS/CVAD:
          • Ensure Citrix Workspace App version 2505 or higher is installed.
          • Install the Plugin:
          • After deployment, users will be upgraded to the new optimization stack automatically after restarting Teams once rollout begins.
          • Update internal documentation and inform helpdesk staff.

          [Compliance considerations:]

          QuestionImpact
          Does the change alter how admins can monitor,Additional monitoring and reporting capabilities are exposed in Teams Admin Center and Call Quality Dashboard, including call/meeting details and Plugin/SlimCore version tracking.

          New

          Updated October 17, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.

          [Introduction]

          Microsoft Teams optimization with the new SlimCore-based media engine is now available for macOS endpoints connecting to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), Windows 365, or Citrix DaaS/CVAD environments. This redesigned Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solution replaces the legacy WebRTC-based optimization and delivers enhanced performance, reliability, security, and streamlined support. It also simplifies media engine updates without requiring frequent upgrades to VDI infrastructure or clients.

          This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 502524.

          [When this will happen:]
          • Targeted Release: Begins mid-January 2026 (previously early November), completes late January 2026 (previously late November).
          • General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): Begins late January 2026 (previously mid-December), completes mid-February 2026 (previously mid-January).
          [How this affects your organization:]
          • Who is affected: macOS users connecting to AVD, Windows 365, or Citrix DaaS/CVAD environments using Microsoft Teams.
          • What will happen:
            • Teams will use the SlimCore media engine instead of WebRTC for optimized VDI experiences.
            • Advanced meeting capabilities:
              • Gallery View 3x3 and 7x7
              • Background images from My Organization
              • 1080p video resolution
              • Include computer sound while screen sharing
              • Hardware acceleration on the endpoint
            • Telephony and voice capabilities:
              • Location Based Routing and Media Bypass
              • Quality of Service (QoS)
              • Noise suppression
            • Better supportability:
              • Teams Admin Center integration
              • Call Quality Dashboard support
              • Simplified media engine updates via Plugin
          [What you can do to prepare:]
          • Ensure users have Teams version 25269.x.x.x or higher (available October 2025).
          • For AVD/Windows 365:
            • Install the non-Store Windows App client (.pkg file) (Download).
            • Note: Store version does not support SlimCore optimization.

          Figure i. Download page for non-store Client

          user settings

          • For Citrix DaaS/CVAD:
            • Ensure Citrix Workspace App version 2505 or higher is installed.
            • Install the Plugin:
            • After deployment, users will be upgraded to the new optimization stack automatically after restarting Teams once rollout begins.
            • Update internal documentation and inform helpdesk staff.

            [Compliance considerations:]

            QuestionImpact
            Does the change alter how admins can monitor,Additional monitoring and reporting capabilities are exposed in Teams Admin Center and Call Quality Dashboard, including call/meeting details and Plugin/SlimCore version tracking.

            September 26, 2025 at 6:31 PM Updated
            Summary
            Previous
            Microsoft Teams on macOS for Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and Citrix now uses the SlimCore media engine, replacing WebRTC for improved performance, advanced meeting features, telephony enhancements, and better supportability. Deployment begins late 2025; users need updated Teams and specific client/plugin versions.
            New
            Microsoft Teams for macOS on Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and Citrix now uses the SlimCore media engine, replacing WebRTC for improved performance, advanced meeting features, telephony enhancements, and better support. Rollout starts November 2025; users need updated Teams and specific client/plugin versions.
            Last Updated Date
            Previous
            2025-09-10T22:49:01.450Z
            New
            2025-09-26T16:57:14.723Z
            Tags
            Previous
            New feature,User impact
            New
            Updated message,New feature,User impact
            Body Content
            Previous

            [Introduction]

            Microsoft Teams optimization with the new SlimCore-based media engine is now available for macOS endpoints connecting to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), Windows 365, or Citrix DaaS/CVAD environments. This redesigned Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solution replaces the legacy WebRTC-based optimization and delivers enhanced performance, reliability, security, and streamlined support. It also simplifies media engine updates without requiring frequent upgrades to VDI infrastructure or clients.

            This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 502524.

            [When this will happen:]
            • Targeted Release: Begins late October 2025, completes early November 2025.
            • General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): Begins mid-December 2025, completes mid-January 2026.
            [How this affects your organization:]
            • Who is affected: macOS users connecting to AVD, Windows 365, or Citrix DaaS/CVAD environments using Microsoft Teams.
            • What will happen:
              • Teams will use the SlimCore media engine instead of WebRTC for optimized VDI experiences.
              • Advanced meeting capabilities:
                • Gallery View 3x3 and 7x7
                • Background images from My Organization
                • 1080p video resolution
                • Include computer sound while screen sharing
                • Hardware acceleration on the endpoint
              • Telephony and voice capabilities:
                • Location Based Routing and Media Bypass
                • Quality of Service (QoS)
                • Noise suppression
              • Better supportability:
                • Teams Admin Center integration
                • Call Quality Dashboard support
                • Simplified media engine updates via Plugin
            [What you can do to prepare:]
            • Ensure users have Teams version 25269.x.x.x or higher (available October 2025).
            • For AVD/Windows 365:
              • Install the non-Store Windows App client (.pkg file) (Download).
              • Note: Store version does not support SlimCore optimization.

            Figure i. Download page for non-store Client

            user settings

            • For Citrix DaaS/CVAD:
              • Ensure Citrix Workspace App version 2505 or higher is installed.
              • Install the Plugin:
              • After deployment, users will be upgraded to the new optimization stack automatically after restarting Teams once rollout begins.
              • Update internal documentation and inform helpdesk staff.

              [Compliance considerations:]

              QuestionImpact
              Does the change alter how admins can monitor,Additional monitoring and reporting capabilities are exposed in Teams Admin Center and Call Quality Dashboard, including call/meeting details and Plugin/SlimCore version tracking.

              New

              Updated September 26, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.

              [Introduction]

              Microsoft Teams optimization with the new SlimCore-based media engine is now available for macOS endpoints connecting to Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), Windows 365, or Citrix DaaS/CVAD environments. This redesigned Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solution replaces the legacy WebRTC-based optimization and delivers enhanced performance, reliability, security, and streamlined support. It also simplifies media engine updates without requiring frequent upgrades to VDI infrastructure or clients.

              This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 502524.

              [When this will happen:]
              • Targeted Release: Begins early November 2025, completes late November 2025.
              • General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): Begins mid-December 2025, completes mid-January 2026.
              [How this affects your organization:]
              • Who is affected: macOS users connecting to AVD, Windows 365, or Citrix DaaS/CVAD environments using Microsoft Teams.
              • What will happen:
                • Teams will use the SlimCore media engine instead of WebRTC for optimized VDI experiences.
                • Advanced meeting capabilities:
                  • Gallery View 3x3 and 7x7
                  • Background images from My Organization
                  • 1080p video resolution
                  • Include computer sound while screen sharing
                  • Hardware acceleration on the endpoint
                • Telephony and voice capabilities:
                  • Location Based Routing and Media Bypass
                  • Quality of Service (QoS)
                  • Noise suppression
                • Better supportability:
                  • Teams Admin Center integration
                  • Call Quality Dashboard support
                  • Simplified media engine updates via Plugin
              [What you can do to prepare:]
              • Ensure users have Teams version 25269.x.x.x or higher (available October 2025).
              • For AVD/Windows 365:
                • Install the non-Store Windows App client (.pkg file) (Download).
                • Note: Store version does not support SlimCore optimization.

              Figure i. Download page for non-store Client

              user settings

              • For Citrix DaaS/CVAD:
                • Ensure Citrix Workspace App version 2505 or higher is installed.
                • Install the Plugin:
                • After deployment, users will be upgraded to the new optimization stack automatically after restarting Teams once rollout begins.
                • Update internal documentation and inform helpdesk staff.

                [Compliance considerations:]

                QuestionImpact
                Does the change alter how admins can monitor,Additional monitoring and reporting capabilities are exposed in Teams Admin Center and Call Quality Dashboard, including call/meeting details and Plugin/SlimCore version tracking.

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