Microsoft Teams | RemoteApp End of support for WebRTC optimization in Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365

Microsoft Teams is retiring WebRTC optimization for RemoteApp on Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, replacing it with a SlimCore media engine by April 2027. This improves performance and security with no admin action needed. Users will receive notifications, and minimum app versions are required.

[What and Why]

As announced in Message Center post MC1272546, Microsoft Teams is moving from the legacy WebRTC based Virtual Desktop Infrastructure optimization to a new SlimCore based media engine for RemoteApp and Cloud App scenarios on Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365. The new optimization improves audio and video performance, reliability, and security, and simplifies support by allowing media engine updates without frequent VDI infrastructure or client upgrades. As part of this transition, Microsoft will retire support and availability for the legacy WebRTC based optimization.

[Rollout Schedule]

General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCCH and DOD): Rollout will begin in early August 2026 and is expected to complete by early April 2027.

Key milestones:

• End of Support: August 1, 2026 through September 30, 2026
  • Starting October 1, 2026, WebRTC optimization is no longer supported but may still function.
• End of Availability: February 1, 2027 through March 30, 2027
  • Starting April 1, 2027, WebRTC optimization will stop working and the new optimization will be enforced.

[Impact on Your Organization]

Who is affected

• Organizations using Microsoft Teams as a RemoteApp on Azure Virtual Desktop or Windows 365 from Windows endpoints

Platforms and Services

• Microsoft Teams, Azure Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, Windows App for Windows

What will happen

• Eligible Team users running in RemoteApp will automatically transition to the new SlimCore based optimization: 



• Audio and video performance and reliability will improve compared to WebRTC optimization.
• Media engine updates will no longer require frequent upgrades to VDI infrastructure or client.
• Users will see dismissible dialogue notifications ahead of end of support.
• Users will see modal dialog notifications ahead of end of availability.
• After April 1, 2027, WebRTC optimization will no longer function. If the new optimization cannot be established, Teams will fall back to server-side rendering.
• The Give and Take Control feature is not supported at this time.

[Action Required or Recommendations]

No admin action is required for the transition.

Recommended actions:

• Verify that your environment meets the minimum version requirements: 
  • Windows App for Windows version 2.0.964.0 or later
  • Microsoft Teams version 26043.2016.4478.2773 or later
• Inform helpdesk and support teams about the retirement timeline and expected user notifications.
• Communicate the change to impacted users.
• Review current Teams VDI documentation for supported scenarios and known limitations.
• Update any internal documentation referencing WebRTC optimization.

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

[Compliance considerations]

No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.