Teams will let users mute/unmute their mic during meetings directly from Windows 11’s taskbar

Microsoft has recently debuted Teams 2.0, which is the new default client for the desktop, and along with the improved design, and AI capabilities, such as Copilot on Microsoft Teams, the Redmond-based tech giant also promised new features for the platform.

An improved search was released to Teams, along with the ability to manage your activity feed on the platform. Meet, an app that helps users manage their meetings and workflows, came to Teams last month, among many other examples.

Now, according to the Microsoft 365 Roadmap, Teams is getting brand-new Audio and Video flyout settings in meetings that will effectively allow users greater control over audio and video settings while participating in a meeting.

Microsoft won’t stop here, though, as the company will also debut a brand new option, that once enabled, will let users mute/unmute their mic during meetings directly from the Windows 11’s taskbar, without having to do it on the platform.

How to control your Microsoft Teams mic from outside the platform

The roadmap explicitly lets users know how to control the Teams mic from outside the platform. To mute/unmute the mic on Teams, users will simply need to do so by clicking the mic icon in the Windows taskbar.

Pressing the Windows logo key + Alt + K will also mute or unmute at will.

The option is useful because you can easily have central control settings, from where you can control the volume and the mic at the same time on both parts: on your Windows device, and your Teams. Aside from that, the option will encourage multitasking while participating in Teams calls.

Imagine this: among the countless open projects and apps, you’re suddenly asked to provide your input on the subject of the Teams meetings, but you can’t find the platform in due time. You’ll only need to unmute your mic in the Windows taskbar, and you’re good to go.

On the other hand, the new audio and video flyout coming to Teams will let users have quick control over audio and video settings while participating in a meeting. Instead of losing focus trying to find the settings while paying attention to what’s been said, you will be able to quickly adjust your settings to suit your preferences without losing any focus, per Microsoft claims.

Both features are coming to Teams in January 2024, to desktop platforms.