Microsoft splits Teams from Office in Europe after EU pressure

Microsoft has decided to separate its Teams chat app from its Office suite in Europe after facing pressure from the European Union. The move comes as Microsoft aims to comply with concerns raised by European competitors over its bundling practices.

The European Commission had been investigating Microsoft's bundling of Teams with its Office productivity software, expressing concerns that this practice might hinder competition. Microsoft has now confirmed that it will offer a separate installation of Teams to customers in Europe, allowing users to choose whether or not to install the Teams app alongside the Office suite.

This decision aims to address concerns about potential anti-competitive behavior, as separate installations can offer users a choice in selecting which software they want to use. It also provides an option for rival chat apps to compete on a level playing field.

Microsoft has been making efforts to remain compliant with European regulations, including providing consumers with more control over their software installations. The company believes that offering separate installations is a step in the right direction to promote fair competition and meet the European Commission's requirements.

The separate installation of Teams from Office will be available for both new customers and existing customers who update their Microsoft Office software. This change will take effect later in 2021, and it will only apply to the European market.