Microsoft Teams' upcoming update will make clicking message links a lot less annoying

Credit: Microsoft / XDA Published Jul 29, 2026, 2:56 AM EDT Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Sign in to your XDA account Summary Microsoft Teams can open message links in a new window, so linked messages don't steal your current chat. You can use "Open in new window" in the More options menu or Ctrl+click to view linked chats side-by-side. The feature is rolling out right now for desktop devices: expect it by mid‑August 2026 at the latest When you're deep in a Microsoft Teams chat with someone, the last thing you want to do is split your attention between what's being said and the message they just linked to you. Right now, Teams users have had to master the art of juggling between the two. Fortunately, Microsoft has announced that it's adding a new option to open message links in a new window, making it much easier to keep tabs on the current conversation. Microsoft Teams is getting a useful way to open message links No more back and forth Credit: Microsoft In an announcement on the Microsoft 365 Message Center, the company breaks down what it's planning with Teams. Right now, if you click on a link that leads to a message or channel in Teams, the software will instantly shoot you over to it. If you're in the middle of a conversation and want to click a linked message while keeping up with what's being said, it can be annoying to ping-pong between the two. Fortunately, Microsoft is implementing a handy new feature that will essentially treat message links as if you clicked on a URL: Microsoft Teams is introducing the ability to open message links in a new window. This enhancement brings familiar browser-like behavior into Teams, enabling users to view linked messages, chats, or channels side by side without losing context in their current conversation. This update supports improved multitasking and collaboration efficiency, aligning with Microsoft’s goal of enhancing personal and team productivity. You can open a message link in its own window by either selecting "Open in new window" in the message's "More options" menu, or you can hold down the CTRL/Cmd key and click on it. Microsoft says the feature is currently rolling out right now, and everyone should have this handy feature on their PC by mid-August 2026.