MC1226220 - App names hidden in app bar for a cleaner, more focused experience

Updated February 23, 2026: We have updated the content. Thank you for your patience. 

Introduction

We are updating the Microsoft Teams app bar to create a cleaner and more focused experience. App names will be hidden by default, showing only app icons. Users can still view the app name by hovering over an app icon or navigating to it with keyboard focus, which displays the app name in a tooltip, as it exists today. This update simplifies the app bar by reducing visual noise. This change will exclude EDU tenants

Users can choose to show app names anytime in Settings > Appearance.

Accessibility reviews have been conducted to verify compliance and ensure screen readers are working properly.

When this will happen

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in mid-March 2026 (previously late February) and expect to complete by early April 2026 (previously early March).

How this affects your organization

Who is affected: All Microsoft Teams users in commercial (non-government) tenants.

What will happen:

• App names in the Teams app bar will be hidden by default.
• Users will see app icons only, providing a simplified vertical navigation experience.
• Users who prefer to show app names may update this setting individually:
  • Settings > Appearance > Show app names in the app bar
• No admin configuration changes are required.
• There is no impact to existing policies, permissions, or app availability.

Screenshot 1 - Before:

Screenshot 2 - After:

What you can do to prepare

• No action is required.
• If helpful, you may notify users or help desk staff about this visual update and how to re-enable app names.
• If your organization maintains internal documentation or screenshots of the Teams interface, consider updating them after rollout.

Compliance considerations

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