Microsoft Teams public preview gets refreshed look to feel 'more modern and lightweight'

Microsoft Teams PC
Microsoft Teams PC (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft Teams has a refreshed look rolling out to public preview users.
  • The refreshed look includes adjusted dark mode colors and drop shadows between panels.
  • The new colors are in public preview now, but the other changes start shipping in mid-February.

Microsoft is rolling out an improved look for Microsoft Teams to public preview users. The improved design is built to feel "more modern and lightweight," according to Microsoft. Teams users in public preview should soon see an improved dark theme, drop shadows between panels, and icons with Microsoft's Fluent Design language.

The color and styling changes, including a darker dark theme, are already rolling out to public preview users. The other changes, including the new icons within the app, should start shipping in mid-February.

Here are the specific changes, as outlined by Microsoft:

  • Color adjustments to the default and dark themes
  • Added drop shadows between panels
  • Icons updated with Fluent icon set, emphasizing rounded corners

Source: Microsoft (Image credit: Source: Microsoft)

One of the more noticeable changes is that the dark theme of Microsoft Teams appears to be significantly darker than the previous dark theme.

The changes are enabled by default if you are in the public preview for Microsoft Teams. To check out the changes, you can join the Microsoft Teams public preview program.

What do you think of the new changes? Do you think they're improvements over its old design? Let us know in the comments below.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.