Virtual Teams
The latest Virtual Teams coverage — news, analysis, and updates from the WindowsNews.AI desk.
Microsoft to Default Managed Users to Edge Extended Stable in August 2026
Microsoft will automatically move most managed devices to the Edge Extended Stable channel starting with Edge 152 on August 27, 2026. This default shift cuts feature updates from every four weeks to every eight, easing IT validation burdens but requiring explicit opt-out for pilot and developer groups. Admins should audit policies and prepare testing strategies now.
Office 2019 for Mac to Lose Edit and Save Features on July 13, 2026
Microsoft has announced that Office 2019 for Mac will lose the ability to create, edit, and save files on July 13, 2026, due to an expiring digital certificate. The reduced functionality mode will leave Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote able only to open, view, and print documents. Users must migrate to Microsoft 365, a newer perpetual version, or alternative office suites before the deadline to avoid disruption.
Microsoft Warns Office 2019 for Mac, iPhone, and iPad Users Will Lose Editing Access in July 2026
Microsoft will limit Office 2019 for Mac, iPhone, and iPad to read-only mode starting July 13, 2026, removing editing capabilities in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. The change pushes users toward Microsoft 365 subscriptions or newer perpetual licenses, while alternatives like iWork and Google Workspace remain available.
Euro-Office 1.0 Lands as Europe’s AGPL Fork of OnlyOffice to Counter Microsoft 365 Dominance
Euro-Office 1.0, a browser-based AGPL fork of OnlyOffice, launched on June 9, 2026, as a European sovereign alternative to Microsoft 365, backed by cloud and collaboration vendors. It prioritizes OOXML compatibility for real-world interoperability while offering ODF support, and includes eIDAS signatures and data residency features aimed at public-sector procurement. The project faces challenges in mobile access and offline editing but represents the strongest open-source challenge yet to Microsoft’s European dominance.
July 13, 2026 Deadline: Office 2019 for Mac Will Reach 'Reduced Functionality' as License Certificate Expires
Microsoft has confirmed that Office 2019 for Mac will enter reduced functionality mode on July 13, 2026, due to an expiring license-validation certificate. Because extended support for the suite ended in October 2025, the company will not release a certificate refresh, leaving users unable to create or edit documents. Affected individuals and organizations must migrate to Microsoft 365, Office 2021, or alternative productivity suites before the deadline.
Microsoft Sets August 2026 for Unified Inbox in New Outlook, Plus Mail Merge and .PST Boost
Microsoft confirms that the new Outlook for Windows and web will receive a unified ‘All Accounts’ inbox in August 2026, alongside advanced mail merge and expanded .PST import support. These features aim to bridge critical gaps between the modern client and classic Outlook, easing the forced migration for enterprise and consumer users.
Microsoft’s 2026 Teams Wi‑Fi Check‑In: Convenience vs. Office Surveillance Fears
Microsoft is reviving a previously shelved feature that automatically updates an employee’s work location in Teams based on corporate Wi‑Fi connections. Coming in 2026, the tool includes privacy safeguards and user controls, but critics warn it could easily become a tool for enforcing return‑to‑office mandates. The rollout tests the balance between hybrid work efficiency and employee autonomy.
Microsoft Teams Wi‑Fi Presence: Seamless Office Check‑In or Employee Tracking?
Microsoft is set to introduce a Teams and Places feature that automatically marks employees as present in specific office locations using Wi‑Fi network data. While it promises smoother hybrid coordination and real estate optimization, privacy concerns are mounting over passive tracking and potential employee surveillance.
DavMail 6.8 Adds Full Microsoft Graph UI for EWS Retirement Prep
DavMail 6.8 introduces full Microsoft Graph API support in the GUI, improving calendar reliability and preparing users for the eventual retirement of Exchange Web Services. The update streamlines OAuth 2.0 authentication, boosts performance for IMAP and CalDAV sync, and keeps EWS functional but on notice.
Windows Office Hours June 18: Live Q&A Tackles Windows 11 Migration Hurdles
Microsoft's Windows Office Hours returns on June 18, 2026 with a live Q&A for IT professionals. The event covers critical topics like Windows 11 migration challenges, Intune device management, Autopilot deployment, and Zero Trust security. This article details how to participate and what to expect from the hour-long, chat-based session with Microsoft experts.
Preservica and Cadence Bring Active Digital Preservation into Microsoft 365
Preservica and Cadence Solutions announced a reselling partnership on June 11, 2026, bringing active digital preservation tools directly into Microsoft 365 for U.S. and Canadian organizations. The deal centers on Preserve365, which embeds long-term records management inside SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive, helping companies meet compliance demands without leaving the Microsoft ecosystem.
Microsoft Teams cuts chat lag 20%, slashes app hangs 35% on macOS and iOS.
Microsoft announced a significant performance update for Teams, achieving a 20% reduction in chat-switching latency, 35% fewer daily app hangs on macOS and iOS, and a 25% improvement in people search speed. These optimizations address long-standing user complaints and make the collaboration platform more responsive across devices.
Office 2019 for Mac Goes Read-Only July 2026: Windows Users Must Migrate Now
Microsoft will force Office 2019 for Mac into read-only mode on July 13, 2026, stripping editing from Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Affected users must migrate to Microsoft 365, a newer perpetual Office version, or free alternatives before the deadline. This unprecedented move underscores Microsoft's push away from perpetual licenses toward cloud subscriptions, with implications for Mac and Windows users alike.