How to Adapt Your Microsoft Teams Meetings as Together Mode Is Retired

Introduction

When Microsoft first launched Together Mode in Teams during the pandemic, it brought a splash of virtual togetherness to remote meetings. The feature used AI to cut out participants' heads and shoulders and place them in a shared virtual space—like a conference room, auditorium, or even a coffee shop. It allowed for playful interactions like shoulder taps and virtual high fives, helping teams feel less isolated. However, as times have changed and hybrid work has matured, Microsoft is retiring Together Mode in favor of a simplified, distraction-free meeting experience. The company has begun rolling out the changes gradually, so if you’re a regular Teams user, you’ll soon see Together Mode disappear from your meeting options. This guide will walk you through exactly what’s happening, how to prepare, and which alternatives can keep your meetings engaging without the gimmicks.

What You Need

• Microsoft Teams client (desktop, web, or mobile) updated to the latest version.
• Admin or co-organizer permissions for your organization (if you need to change default meeting policies).
• Basic knowledge of Teams meeting controls (view switcher, gallery, etc.).
• A willingness to explore new meeting layouts and inform your team about the change.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transition from Together Mode

Step 1: Verify the Retirement Timeline for Your Organization

Microsoft is rolling out the removal of Together Mode gradually, meaning not all tenants lose the feature at once. Check your Teams admin center or look for an official notification from Microsoft (often via the Message Center in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center). If your admin hasn’t shared the timeline, you can also search for “Together Mode retirement” in the help pane within Teams. Knowing the exact date helps you plan ahead so no one is caught off guard during a meeting.

Step 2: Update Your Teams Client

Make sure everyone in your organization is running the latest version of Teams. Outdated clients may show Together Mode even after it’s been disabled server‑side, causing confusion. On desktop, go to the three‑dot menu (⋯) > Check for updates. On mobile, update through your device’s app store. Keeping the client current ensures you see the new, streamlined interface without unexpected errors.

Step 3: Inform and Educate Your Team

People get used to features, and Together Mode had its fans. Send a short email or chat message explaining that Together Mode is being retired “to simplify the meeting experience.” Emphasize that this doesn’t affect core collaboration—you can still share screens, use breakout rooms, and record. Include a link to this guide or to Microsoft’s official announcement so everyone understands the reason behind the change. A little proactive communication prevents frustration.

Step 4: Explore Alternative Meeting Views

Without Together Mode, you can still make meetings visually engaging. Encourage participants to try these views:

• Gallery view – Traditional grid of participant video tiles. Best for small to medium meetings.
• Large Gallery view – Shows up to 49 people at once. Great for town halls or large team gatherings.
• Presenter mode – When you share content, your video appears as a floating tile or side panel, keeping focus on the shared screen.
• Speaker view – Highlights the active speaker while others appear in smaller thumbnails at the bottom.

Each layout has its own strengths. For example, during a brainstorming session, Gallery view may work better, while during a presentation, Presenter mode helps the audience focus on the speaker and slides. Experiment and pick what fits your meeting’s goal.

Step 5: Customize Meeting Policies (For Admins)

If you’re a Teams admin, you can preconfigure default meeting settings to remove Together Mode options before users even notice. Go to the Teams admin center → Meetings → Meeting policies. Look for settings related to “Meeting layout” or “Together Mode override.” Disable the feature globally or per group. This ensures a consistent experience across your organization and eliminates any confusion about why the mode vanished.

Step 6: Adapt Your Meeting Culture

The retirement of a visual‑gimmick feature is a good time to rethink how you keep participants engaged. Here are a few ideas:

• Use polls and Q&A – Built into Teams, these tools encourage interaction without needing virtual high fives.
• Encourage webcam use – Even simple Gallery view feels more personal when people turn on their cameras.
• Start with an icebreaker – A quick round of “What’s one thing you did this weekend?” builds connection.
• Leverage breakout rooms – For deeper discussions, split into smaller groups; they feel more intimate than a full‑room Together Mode.

Remember, Together Mode was always an “illusion” of togetherness. True collaboration comes from clear communication and intentional engagement—not just a virtual auditorium.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Watch for gradual rollout: Don’t panic if you still see Together Mode today—it may disappear next week. Have a plan ready for both scenarios.
• Collect user feedback: After the change, ask your team what they miss or what new layout they prefer. This input can inform future meeting norms.
• Stay updated: Microsoft sometimes revives or reimagines popular features. Keep an eye on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap for any new immersive views in the works.
• Test alternatives in small meetings first: Before a company‑wide town hall, try a new view with your immediate team to see if it meets your needs.
• Use resources from Microsoft: The official “What’s new in Teams” page and in‑app tutorials explain how to get the most out of the meeting experience after Together Mode ends.

Together Mode served its purpose during a time of forced isolation. Now that hybrid work is the norm, Microsoft is streamlining Teams to reduce clutter. By following these steps, you can ensure your meetings remain productive, inclusive, and even a little fun—without relying on a single virtual venue. Embrace the change, explore new layouts, and keep your team connected through meaningful interaction rather than digital stagecraft.