Message ID: MC974361
In Microsoft Teams, while in a live meeting, participants will soon be able to edit their display name for the duration of the meeting. This name change is for the meeting duration only and does not affect a participant’s original name on their People card.
This feature is available for participants using the Teams desktop and web apps for both Windows and Mac.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 122934.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early February 2025 and expect to complete by mid-February 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): We will begin rolling out mid-March 2025 and expect to complete by early April 2025.
General Availability (GCC High, DoD): We will begin rolling out early April 2025 and expect to complete by mid-April 2025.
[How this will affect your organization:]
The feature is off by default for all tenants. Admins can turn it on for their organization in the Teams admin center for all or selected tenant members. These members can then enable the feature in their private scheduled meetings.
If turned on for the tenant, a meeting organizer can turn the feature on for their meeting in Meeting options > Let people edit their display name. The feature is OFF by default in Meeting options and has to be enabled by meeting organizer.
If turned on for a meeting, participants can join the meeting and then select People at the top of the screen to edit their own display names in the Participants panel.
Example: Daniela Mandera can change her name in a meeting to Daniela M. (Before rollout, we will update this post with revised user documentation for changing the name.)
Participants who have edited their names will have an (edited) label next to their name in the meeting screens.
*Original People card names will display in some meeting features such as calendar invites, the list of people invited to meetings, group chat rosters, and so on.
Permanent meeting artifacts (such as the attendance report and transcriptions) will not reflect name changes.
[What you need to do to prepare:]
You can turn this feature on for your tenant users to allow the capability in the meetings they organize. You might want to notify your users about this new feature and update your training and documentation as appropriate.
Source: Microsoft
The upcoming feature allowing participants to edit their display names during Microsoft Teams meetings is set to bring some interesting dynamics for both admins and users alike.
For admins, this change means a new level of control and customization within meetings. While the feature is turned off by default, admins can choose to enable it for their organization, giving them the flexibility to tailor the experience based on their team’s needs. It could also spark a wave of creativity—imagine a meeting where everyone gets to show off their quirky pseudonyms or even their favorite superheroes! Just think of the ice-breaking opportunities!
On the user side, this feature is a game-changer. It empowers participants to present themselves as they wish during meetings, which can enhance comfort and inclusivity. Whether it’s shortening a long name for brevity or adopting a fun nickname for a casual meeting, the possibilities are endless. Plus, the “(edited)” label next to changed names adds a touch of transparency—no more wondering who “D. Smith” is!
As for the impact, it seems poised to enhance engagement and make meetings feel a bit more personal. It also encourages users to be mindful about how they present themselves, which can lead to a more respectful and friendly atmosphere.
Overall, this feature could be a delightful addition to the Teams experience, but it’s crucial for admins to prepare their users for these changes. A little communication goes a long way!
What do you think about this new feature? Will you be changing your name to something fun, or do you prefer to stick with the classics? Join the conversation in the comments below! And for more insights and updates, be sure to check out other posts on mwpro.co.uk.