Microsoft is about to change how you manage files in Microsoft Teams

A new OneDrive app will replace the Files app in Teams.

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What you need to know

Microsoft Teams has a new file management experience on the way. This month, Microsoft will roll out the OneDrive app for Teams, which will replace the Files app in Teams. The OneDrive app will then make its way to the classic version of Teams in early 2024, though the Files name will remain on classic Teams. Mobile users won’t be affected by the change.

The new OneDrive app unifies the file management experience across Microsoft 365. The app promises better performance, thanks to the fact that it utilizes recent updates to the OneDrive and SharePoint library experience.

All of your Microsoft 365 content will live within the OneDrive app for Teams. Views and filters will make it easy to find files, according to Microsoft.

Here are the highlights of what you can do with the new OneDrive app for Teams, asshared by Microsoft:

Microsoft is on a quest to integrate AI with all of its services, and the OneDrive app for Teams is next on the list. The app will recommend files based on what artificial intelligence determines is relevant.

Can you use other cloud services in Microsoft Teams?

The improvements to the OneDrive app for Teams will make things better for those that use Microsoft for cloud storage, but it will also change how to access files from third-party services. Going forward, you’ll have to use corresponding Teams apps for other services.

Microsoft promises that it is working with third-party cloud and management providers to get more apps onto Teams. At the moment, there are 160 apps in that category available, including Stack Overflow and Box. Notably, Dropbox does not have a Microsoft Teams app. ADropbox support documentoutlines how to integrate Dropbox with the Files tab in Teams, but that won’t be an option in the future.

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We’ll have to wait to see which services have apps added to the Teams library. I suspect that it will ultimately result in a better overall experience, but that users of certain cloud services will run into some issues at first. Hopefully Microsoft works with Dropbox and any other services that lack Teams apps to fill gaps.

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.