How to Use the Microsoft Teams Multiple Windows Feature

To use the Microsoft Teams multiple windows feature, open a chat’s More options (...) menu and select Open chat in new window. You can also open channel conversations, supported apps, and meeting chat in separate windows. Move them beside the main Teams window or onto another monitor to keep related work visible.

Use the current Teams desktop app for these instructions. Window commands and navigation can differ by app, channel layout, and Teams version. You do not need to launch duplicate copies of Teams to use its built-in window controls.

Open a Teams chat in a separate window

This works with both one-on-one and group chats.

1. Open Chat and find the conversation you want to keep visible.
2. Select More options (...) beside that conversation, then choose Open chat in new window. Alternatively, double-click the chat name.

You can open several different conversations, but you cannot open the same chat twice. For tasks such as scheduling a meeting, attaching a OneDrive file, or adding apps, return to the main Teams window while leaving the chat open. See Microsoft’s chat window instructions.

Open a channel conversation in its own window

Current Teams supports channel conversation windows; older instructions saying channels cannot be separated are outdated. The command depends on whether the channel uses Posts or Threads.

For a channel using Posts

1. Open the channel and locate the post you want to follow. Hover over the upper-right corner of that conversation to reveal its controls.
2. Select More options (...) > Open in new window. From an already opened post, you can also use Open conversation in new window at the top.

For a channel using Threads

Microsoft documents More options > Open conversation in new window from a selected channel message for the main channel view. For an individual thread, open its reply summary and use the menu at the top-right of the thread pane. Follow Microsoft’s channel conversation guide for the layout you use.

Open apps and supported tabs in new windows

Teams can open core apps such as Activity, Chat, Channels, Calendar, Calls, and Meet in separate windows. The apps shown on your left app bar depend on your setup.

1. Right-click the app you want on the left app bar, such as Calendar.
2. Choose Open in new window, then move or resize the new window as needed.

For an app or supported tab that is already open, look for Open in new window near the upper-right corner. Support varies: do not assume every tab has this control. Microsoft explains the difference in its Microsoft’s app window documentation.

After opening two core apps in new windows, Teams warns that opening more may slow your system. You can select Proceed, or close unused windows. See Microsoft’s core app window guide.

Keep meeting chat beside the meeting

You can use other Teams windows while your meeting continues. To separate meeting chat:

1. In the meeting controls, select Chat to display the meeting chat pane.
2. Select Open in new window in that pane, then position the chat beside the meeting window.

Available meeting panes can also have window controls; see Microsoft’s meeting multitasking guide. Multiple windows do not mean multiple active call connections: when you answer or start another call, Teams places the current call on hold.

If the new-window option is missing

• Check which menu you opened. A chat, channel conversation, app, and meeting pane have different controls.
• Check the app or tab. Some do not support a separate window. Use the main Teams window for those features.
• Check for updates. If an update is offered at the top of Teams, update and restart Teams, then try again.
• Check your layout. Posts and Threads use different channel controls; follow the matching instructions above.

Drag each window by its title bar to arrange your workspace. Keep only the windows you need open, especially if Teams becomes less responsive.