Summary
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Microsoft Teams can open message links in a new window, so related messages don’t hijack your current conversation.
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You can use the “Open in new window” button in the More options menu or Ctrl+click to view related conversations side-by-side.
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The feature is currently rolling out for desktop devices: expect it by mid-August 2026 at the latest
When you’re deep in a Microsoft Teams conversation with someone, the last thing you want to do is split your attention between what’s being said and the message they just communicated to you. Currently, Teams users have to master the art of juggling between the two. Fortunately, Microsoft has announced that it’s adding a new option to open message links in a new window, making it much easier to keep tabs on the current conversation.
Microsoft Teams is getting a useful way to open message links
No more back and forth
in the announcement about Microsoft 365 Message Centerthe company breaks down what it plans to do with Teams. Currently, if you click on a link to a message or channel in Teams, the app will take you right to it. Playing ping pong between the two can be annoying if you’re in the middle of a conversation and want to click on a linked message while watching what’s being said.
Fortunately, Microsoft is implementing a handy new feature that will treat message links as if they were clicked on a URL:
Microsoft Teams offers the ability to open message links in a new window. This enhancement brings familiar browser-like behavior to Teams by allowing users to view related messages, conversations, or channels side-by-side without losing context in their current conversation. This update supports improved multitasking and collaboration efficiency, aligning with Microsoft’s goal of increasing personal and team productivity.
You can open the message link in its own window by selecting “Open in new window” from the message’s “More options” menu, or you can hold down the CTRL/Cmd key and click on it. Microsoft says the feature is rolling out now, and by mid-August 2026 everyone should have this handy feature on their PC.
