(Updated) Microsoft Teams: Code block line numbers and improved keyboard accessibility

Updated March 27, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. 

[Introduction]

We’re introducing improvements to the code block experience in Microsoft Teams Compose. These updates make reading, sharing, and referencing code more efficient by adding default line numbers and enhancing keyboard navigation. These changes also support better accessibility and help users who frequently share code in chats or channels.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 554933.

[When this will happen]

• Targeted Release: Rolling out in early May 2026 (previously April) and expected to complete in mid-May 2026 (previously April).
• General Availability (Worldwide): Rolling out in mid-May 2026 (previously April) and expected to complete in late May 2026.

[How this affects your organization]

Who is affected

All users who compose and share messages in Microsoft Teams on Windows, Mac, and Web.

What will happen

Users will see enhancements to the code block experience, including:

• Default line numbers appearing automatically when a code block is inserted, supporting easier line-by-line collaboration and review.
• Improved keyboard navigation within code blocks, allowing users to move more easily through code using keyboard commands, improving overall accessibility.
• Consistent language selection for syntax highlighting; Teams will remember the last language a user selected.
• Support for collaborative editing, with the option to convert a code block to a Loop component before sending.
• Multiple insertion methods remain supported (slash commands, keyboard shortcuts, and Markdown), ensuring familiarity and flexibility for users.
• This feature is enabled by default, and no admin controls or configuration changes are required.

These updates improve the development and engineering collaboration experience in Teams and help achieve better parity with other industry-standard collaboration tools.

[What you can do to prepare]

No admin action is required. 

Optional steps:

• Inform helpdesk or support teams that users may notice changes to how code blocks appear and behave in Teams.
• Update any internal documentation for engineering teams or developer communities that rely on code sharing within Teams.
• Review Microsoft Support documentation for additional user-facing guidance about inserting, formatting, and collaborating on code blocks in Teams.

Learn more:  Use code blocks in Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Support

[Compliance considerations]

No compliance considerations identified. Review as appropriate for your organization.