MC1226220 - (Updated) App names hidden in app bar for a cleaner, more focused experience
Microsoft 365 Message Center announcement MC1226220.
Microsoft Summary
Microsoft Teams will hide app names by default in the app bar for a cleaner look, showing only icons with names visible on hover or keyboard focus. Users can re-enable names via Settings. Rollout begins late April 2026 for commercial tenants, excluding EDU, with no admin changes needed.
- Message Center ID
- MC1226220
- Category
- stay Informed
- Severity
- normal
- Services
- Microsoft Teams
- Tags
- Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact
- Published
- 2026-02-02
- Last updated
- 2026-03-20
- Expires
- 2026-05-29
Updated March 20, 2026: We have updated the timeline. 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 late April 2026 (previously mid-March) and expect to complete late April 2026 (previously early April). [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.