(Updated) Microsoft Teams: Room optimization mode relocated to context-dependent option

(Updated) Microsoft Teams: Room optimization mode relocated to context-dependent option

Microsoft Teams renamed and relocated the “add shared display” option to a context-dependent “optimize for room” feature, improving hybrid meeting setup by automatically optimizing audio, video, and display. Rollout begins early August 2026. No admin action required; users should be informed and documentation updated.

2026-06-24T16:20:47.640Z

Updated message,Feature update,User impact,Admin impact

<p>Updated June 24, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.&nbsp;</p><p><b>[What and Why]</b></p><p>Microsoft Teams is updating the location and naming of the room optimization experience, previously called “<b>add shared display</b>,” to a context dependent “<b>optimize for room</b>” option. This change improves usability and helps users more easily configure Teams for shared and in-room meeting scenarios. The updated experience automatically optimizes audio, video, and display behavior to support more effective hybrid collaboration.</p><p>This message is associated with <b>Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&amp;searchterms=564912" target="_blank">564912</a></b>.&nbsp;</p><p><b>[Rollout Schedule]</b></p><ul><li><b>General Availability (Worldwide): </b>Begins in <b>early August 2026</b> (previously&nbsp;mid-July)&nbsp;and expected to complete by<b> late August 2026</b> (previously&nbsp;late&nbsp;July).</li></ul><p><b>[Impact on Your Organization]</b></p><p><i>Who is affected</i></p><ul><li>Users who run Microsoft Teams meetings on laptops connected to shared or room-based equipment, such as conference rooms or bring your own device meeting setups.</li></ul><p><i>Platforms/Services</i></p><ul><li>Microsoft Teams desktop</li></ul><p><i>What will happen</i></p><ul><li>The "<b>add shared display"</b>&nbsp;option is renamed to "<b>optimize for room</b>."</li><li>The option is moved to a context dependent location in the<i> Teams interface</i>.</li><li>When enabled, Teams will optimize the meeting experience for room scenarios.</li><li>Connected room peripherals, such as AV devices associated with a room, will be automatically selected instead of laptop audio and video devices.</li><li>If an external display is connected, shared display mode will activate and split Teams into two windows.</li><li>Voice isolation will be disabled so in room participants can be heard clearly.</li><li>Voice recognition will be enabled if allowed by policy.</li><li>A room node will appear in the meeting roster to represent in room participants.</li><li>The feature is user initiated and is not enabled by default.</li></ul><p><img src="https://cxcs.microsoft.net/static/public/messagecenter/neutral/cbed8318-e468-49e8-9f50-3ff41fd24748/b369b3226ea15ba90383534b1b7a845ee162a968.png" style="width: 400px;"></p><p><b>[Action Required or Recommendations]</b></p><p>No admin action is required.</p><p>Recommended actions:</p><ul><li>Inform users of the updated “<b>optimize for room</b>” terminology and where to find it.</li><li>Update internal documentation that references “<b>add shared display</b>.”</li><li>Communicate the change to support and helpdesk teams.</li><li>Encourage users to adopt the feature for improved hybrid meeting experiences.</li></ul><p><b>[Compliance considerations]</b></p><p>No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.</p>