Bring Back Classic Contact View in Teams: Improve Search Functionality

The latest Teams update feels like a step backward. It would be great if we could view contacts like we did in the classic version. The current search function is not as efficient as being able to see the entire department and check who's available. It's also important to fix issues before releasing new updates.

I completely understand your frustration with the latest Teams update. The new contact view can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re used to the classic version. Fortunately, there’s a way to get back to the classic contact view and improve the search functionality.

Getting Back to the Classic Contact View:

  1. Open Microsoft Teams: Make sure you have the latest version installed.
  2. Click on your Profile Picture: Located in the top-right corner of the Teams window.
  3. Select Settings: This will open the Settings panel.
  4. Navigate to the General Section: Scroll down to the “Appearance” subsection.
  5. Toggle the “Use the new contact view” Switch: Turn it off to revert to the classic contact view.

Improving Search Functionality:

  1. Use Advanced Search Operators: You can use specific keywords to narrow down your search results. For example, if you want to search for someone in a particular department, use “department:Marketing” or “location:New York”.
  2. Use the “Filters” Option: When searching for contacts, click on the three-dot menu next to the search bar and select “Filters”. This allows you to filter by specific fields like department, role, or location.
  3. Create a Custom Contact List: You can create a custom contact list by adding specific people to a list. This way, you can quickly view the availability of your favorite contacts.

Additional Tips:

  • Provide Feedback to Microsoft: Let Microsoft know about your concerns and suggestions through the in-app feedback system. This helps them prioritize future updates.
  • Stay Up-to-Date with Changes: Keep an eye on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap to stay informed about upcoming changes and new features.

By following these steps, you should be able to get back to the classic contact view and improve your search experience in Teams.