Microsoft Teams is set to resolve a completely awkward daily issue encountered during meetings.

      A microphone test will be implemented before calls, while privacy-focused Copilot recaps will be available afterwards.

      Microsoft is preparing two distinct updates for Teams, with one addressing a common issue many users face during meetings. The company is set to introduce a pre-join microphone and speaker test, allowing users to record a brief sample and listen to it before joining a call.

      This feature is expected to roll out in May 2026 for desktop and Mac, making it the more immediate enhancement for most users.

      The second update is significant for a different reason. Microsoft is also working on Copilot recaps that prioritize privacy, enabling organizations to create AI-generated meeting summaries without retaining recordings or transcripts. This update is scheduled to be released next month, with broader accessibility anticipated in June 2026.

      Avoiding awkward moments before the call

      The upcoming microphone test appears straightforward. From the pre-join screen, users will be able to check their microphone and speaker output, record a brief audio clip, and play it back instantly. This should help identify any input issues, muted devices, or incorrect audio channels before the meeting devolves into a cumbersome audio check.

      Microsoft Teams

      Microsoft is also expected to roll out this feature widely. The roadmap indicates it will be available across standard global deployments, as well as GCC High and DoD, and is marked for general availability.

      Gaining more control after the meeting

      The Copilot recap feature is designed for organizations with stringent compliance and retention requirements. Microsoft states that, while recordings and transcripts will still be enabled by default, administrators can disable them at the tenant level, while meeting organizers can deactivate them during scheduling or live meetings using AI Mode controls.

      Microsoft Teams

      There is a significant limitation to consider. The feature still necessitates a commercial Microsoft 365 Copilot license, which costs $30 per user per month, indicating it is primarily targeted at customers already invested in Microsoft’s AI offerings.

      Who will notice first

      For many users, the microphone test will be the instantly beneficial part, as it addresses a problem prevalent in nearly all types of calls. For enterprises, the more critical update is the recap feature, especially in contexts where storing meeting data raises legal or security concerns.

      If both updates are delivered on schedule, Microsoft will have enhanced the beginning of meetings and reinforced control over what occurs afterwards.

      Paulo Vargas is an English major turned reporter turned technical writer, with a career that has consistently revolved around…

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