Microsoft Teams is a go-to collaboration tool for millions, but users have long voiced concerns over missing features and stability issues. While Microsoft has been actively rolling out updates, many feel the focus has been on adding flashy features rather than addressing fundamental gaps. One such gap—an oddly missing yet simple capability—has now been filled. After years of user requests, Microsoft Teams finally allows users to change their display names in meetings. But, as always, there’s a catch.
A Long-Awaited Addition That Should Have Been There Already
For years, Teams users have been baffled by the lack of an option to edit display names during meetings. Rival platforms like Zoom and Google Meet have had this feature for ages. The absence of such a basic function in Teams has sparked frustration across forums and feedback portals.
A feature request on Microsoft’s Feedback Portal gathered 1,463 upvotes, with users demanding the ability to “edit their display name or assign themselves a nickname.” Over 87,000 users on the Microsoft Community website have searched for a way to do this. That’s a massive number of people waiting for what seems like an obvious function.
Now, Microsoft has finally rolled out the ability to modify display names in Teams meetings. Users can personalize their names, add titles or departments, and even tweak pronunciation to prevent mispronunciations. But, as expected, not everyone gets immediate access.
Who Can Change Their Display Name in Teams Meetings?
Not so fast—this isn’t a blanket rollout. Microsoft is limiting the feature’s availability for now.
- You must be using the new Teams client on Windows, Mac, or the web.
- Your account should be part of the Teams Public Preview or Microsoft 365 Targeted Release program.
- IT administrators need to enable “Show preview features” in update policies for it to work.
In short, if you’re on an older Teams client or mobile app, you’re still out of luck. There’s no word on when (or if) this functionality will expand to Android or iOS.
How to Change Your Display Name in a Teams Meeting
If you’re one of the lucky users with access, changing your name is straightforward. But keep in mind—this change is only valid for the current meeting. It won’t alter your permanent profile name.
Here’s how to do it:
- Click People in your meeting controls.
- Hover over your name in the Participants pane, select More options, then click Edit display name.
- Enter your new display name and click Save.
And that’s it. But don’t expect this to carry over to your next meeting—once the call ends, your name reverts to its original form.
A Small Change, But a Big Deal for Many Users
For some, this might seem like a minor tweak. But in certain scenarios, it’s incredibly useful.
- Privacy-conscious users can opt for initials or a pseudonym in public meetings.
- Employees can add their department or role to make identification easier.
- Non-English speakers can add pronunciation guides to avoid mispronunciations.
This change brings Microsoft Teams in line with its competitors, but it also highlights how slow Microsoft has been in implementing features users actually want. While flashy AI-powered additions grab headlines, it’s these small, practical improvements that make the real difference in day-to-day collaboration.
With this long-overdue update finally rolling out, users can only hope Microsoft takes more steps to improve Teams’ overall usability—because there are still plenty of features missing.
