In this edition of the đź§Microsoft 365 Compass Newsletterđź§, I'll be looking at the new Microsoft Teams Calendar app and how you can use it to improve your productivity.
What is the New Microsoft Teams Calendar App?
The Microsoft Teams Calendar app has been refreshed to more closely resemble and provide the same functionality as the new Microsoft Outlook calendar, directly within Teams. This allows you to better manage your time and schedule without leaving the app you use most for collaboration.
Some of the benefits of the new app include:
- Advanced filtering options – Easily filter your calendar by time period, category, meeting type, and more.
- Calendar settings synchronization – Manage your calendar settings directly in Teams, with changes reflected in Outlook.
- Work location setting – Set your work location (office, remote, etc.) right from the calendar.
- Meeting insights and recaps – Quickly review meeting details, including agendas, recordings, and follow-ups.
- Weather integration – Stay informed with local weather updates displayed within your calendar view.
- Access to shared calendars – View and manage shared calendars directly in Teams.
- Pop-out calendar feature – Open your calendar in a separate window for multitasking.
How to Access the New Microsoft Teams Calendar
At the time of writing, users have the option to toggle between the classic and new versions of the Teams Calendar. To enable the new calendar:
- Open Microsoft Teams (ensure you're using the new Teams desktop app).
- Click on the Calendar icon in the left navigation pane.
- Toggle the "New Calendar" button to the ON position at the top-right corner of the screen.
Exploring Advanced Filters in the New Teams Calendar
One of the first things you'll notice in the new Microsoft Teams Calendar is the enhanced ribbon at the top, providing more control over your schedule.
-
Time period view: Quickly switch between Day, Week, Work Week, and Month views to gain the perspective you need, as shown below.
- Category filters: Organize your meetings by color-coded categories for easier tracking as demonstrated below.
- Meeting type filters: Focus on specific types of meetings, such as Teams meetings, personal appointments, or group events as outlined in the clip below.
These enhancements make it easier than ever to focus on what matters most and stay organized within Microsoft Teams.
Set Your Work Location from the Microsoft Teams Calendar
A great new addition to the Microsoft Teams Calendar is the ability to set your work location—just like in Outlook. If you're curious about how this works in Outlook, you can check out my tutorial here.
It's important to note that setting your work location via the calendar is different from updating it daily through your Microsoft Teams profile card (as explained in this video).
To set your work location for a specific day:
- Open the Microsoft Teams Calendar.
- Click on the location icon within the date card.
- Choose your location—Office or Remote—for that day.
This feature helps keep your team informed of your availability and location without the need for constant updates.
Accessing Shared Calendars in the New Microsoft Teams Calendar
One of the standout features of the new Microsoft Teams Calendar is the ability to access Shared Calendars, making it easier to stay in sync with your team. Shared Calendars can include group calendars, channel calendars set up in other Teams, and more.
To access Group Calendars in Teams:
- Expand the calendar side panel by clicking the arrow.
- Click "Show all" to view available shared calendars.
- Select the calendar you want to access from the list.
Important Note: Shared calendars cannot be added directly in Teams. You must first add them in Outlook, after which they will automatically appear in your Teams Calendar app.
This feature ensures that you have all your important schedules in one place, helping you stay organized without switching between apps.
How to Pop Out the New Teams Calendar for Better Productivity
Undocking apps in Microsoft Teams is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated ways to boost productivity. Why? Because the ability to "pop out" an app allows you to move it into its own window, eliminating the need to constantly switch between different screens within Teams.
If you find yourself frequently jumping back and forth between chats, meetings, and your calendar, this feature can be a game-changer.
Popping out the new Microsoft Teams Calendar app is simple:
- Right-click on the Calendar icon in the app rail (the left sidebar in Teams).
- Select "Open in a new window.
That’s it! You can now manage your schedule in a separate window while keeping other areas of Teams open—making it easier to multitask and stay organized.
The new Microsoft Teams Calendar app brings a host of powerful features that make managing your schedule easier and more efficient—right where you collaborate with your team. Whether you're setting your work location, filtering your schedule, or accessing shared calendars, these updates help streamline your daily workflow. Be sure to explore these new capabilities and take full advantage of the seamless integration between Teams and Outlook to boost your productivity. Stay tuned for next week's edition of the đź§Microsoft 365 Compass Newsletter🧠for more tips and insights to help you get the most out of Microsoft 365!
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