Windows 11 ships with new 'Chat' app powered by Microsoft Teams

Teams is a core part of the Windows 11 experience.

What you need to know

• Windows 11 includes new "Chat" client pinned to the Taskbar.
• It's powered by Microsoft Teams for consumers, and replaces Skype as default in-box chat app.
• It features quick access to recent chats, and lets you start text/voice calls in a few clicks.

Microsoft took the wraps off Windows 11 earlier today, and revealed some interesting changes and additions. One such addition is the inclusion of a new, preinstalled "Chat" app that the company says allows customers to connect with friends, family, and colleagues through Microsoft Teams.

This new Chat client is powered by the consumer version of Microsoft Teams, and gives users the ability to quickly share text, images, documents, and start chat or video calls directly from the Taskbar. Microsoft says that because Teams is cross platform, this will allow you to reach anyone, anywhere, regardless of whether they're using a PC, Android, or iPhone.

The Chat UI features a "Meet Now" button at the top, which lets you create a video call and invite anyone without needing a Microsoft Account to join. It also supports texting via SMS to Android and iPhones too.

It appears that this new Chat experience replaces Skype as the built-in, de facto messaging client for Windows, as Skype is no longer preinstalled on Windows 11. The "meet now" feature on Windows 10 has been replaced with the Chat app, which is now pinned to the Taskbar by default.

What are your thoughts about Microsoft Teams being pinned to the Taskbar by default on Windows 11? Let us know in the comments. And be sure to check out the rest of our Windows 11 coverage at the link!