Microsoft is phasing out its popular Together Mode feature within Microsoft Teams, which allowed users to appear as if they were sitting together in a conference room during video calls. The company’s rationale for the retirement is twofold: to simplify the user interface and enhance video quality, stability and performance.

The move comes with the gradual removal of the Together Mode toggle from view menus, along with related features such as scenes and seat assignments. This update aims to reduce visual distractions, streamline interactions, and improve overall performance without the gimmicks that once made virtual meetings feel more communal.

According to Microsoft, this shift will allow them to focus on core functionalities like video quality and stability, which are essential for a seamless user experience in today’s digital workplaces. While Together Mode may have added a whimsical touch, the company believes it is better to return to a simpler interface with fewer options and less confusion.

For users who grew fond of the interactive elements, such as tapping colleagues on the shoulder or giving virtual high fives, this transition might feel like a step back. However, Microsoft argues that these features could be distracting and may not contribute significantly to productivity or collaboration.