Microsoft Teams: Configure your Citrix VDI environments for SlimCore-based optimization [MC1154298]

Message ID: MC1154298

[Introduction:]

Microsoft Teams introduced a new SlimCore-based optimization for Citrix VDI environments and Windows endpoints in late 2024. This update delivered improved performance, reliability, and quality compared to the legacy WebRTC-based optimization. It also unlocks new features such as Gallery view (3×3 and 7×7), QoS, HID support, custom backgrounds, hardware acceleration, and 1080p video. Microsoft recommends enabling this optimization ahead of the upcoming WebRTC deprecation announcement.

[When this will happen:]

This update is available now. Microsoft recommends configuring your environment as soon as possible to ensure continued access to new Teams features.

Who is affected: Admins managing Citrix DaaS/CVAD environments where Microsoft Teams is deployed

What will happen:

• You are receiving this message because we detected that your Citrix DaaS/CVAD environment is not configured to allow the custom virtual channels needed by Microsoft Teams so it can optimize users with the SlimCore architecture.
• If the virtual channels are not whitelisted, Microsoft Teams will only be able to optimize using the legacy WebRTC-based offloading.
• Since the new SlimCore-based optimization is where all new features will be introduced, Microsoft strongly recommends IT administrators reconfigure Citrix Studio policies.
• SlimCore-based optimization will not be available until the Citrix Studio policy that allows virtual channels is updated.
• Users will miss out on new Teams features and performance improvements.
• Microsoft will deprecate WebRTC optimization in a future update.

[What you can do to prepare:]

To enable SlimCore-based optimization:

• Review and update the Virtual channel allow list policy in Citrix studio.
• Whitelist the following virtual channels: MSTEAMS, MSTEAM1, and MSTEAM2.
• Deploy the Citrix Plugin alongside the Citrix Workspace app. This plugin is a client-side component that terminates the custom virtual channel on the Workspace app. 
• Refer to the configuration article for detailed steps: New VDI solution for Teams | Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Learn

[Compliance considerations:]

Does the change alter how admins can monitor, report on, or demonstrate compliance activities?

Once SlimCore-based optimization is enabled, admins will see enhanced session details in Teams Admin Center and Call Quality Dashboard, improving visibility and troubleshooting workflows.

Source: Microsoft

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