Okay, I’ll admit, when I heard we were moving from Slack to Teams, I wasn’t thrilled! But it sounds like things are about to get a lot easier for the IT folks who actually *have* to make the switch happen. Apparently, there’s a new tool coming out this month that’s designed to make migrating from Slack to Teams way simpler. That’s a relief for them, and hopefully, it means a smoother transition for all of us.
The tool to move data was initially planned to launch in December 2025, but it’s been pushed back by about a month. We now expect it to begin rolling out by the end of January and be completed by early March.
Currently, the tool only works with channel content, and there are some other limitations. You can find details about updates and the schedule in the Microsoft 365 Message Center (an archive is available here).
Microsoft outlines the data that will be migrated in a support document:
- Slack channels (public and private).
- Slack channel messages (including threading and standard reactions).
- Slack channel file attachments.
- Slack channel canvas and list content (migrated to HTML and JSON file attachments within the Teams channel, respectively).
- Slack channel membership (owners and members).
To switch from Slack to Teams with our tool, you’ll need permission to download your Slack data. Those with the necessary permissions include Slack Workspace Owners, Workspace Admins, Org Owners, Org Admins, and anyone assigned the Export Admin role within Slack.
Customers also need permission to bring their data into Teams. While it’s best if a Microsoft 365 Migration Administrator handles the import, SharePoint or Global Administrators can also do it.
While Microsoft provides a detailed guide for moving your data, there are a few things to be aware of that might not work perfectly during the process.
I’ve noticed a key limitation with this migration tool: it can only connect to one Slack workspace at a time. If you need to move data from a different workspace, you’ll first have to disconnect the current one before adding the new one.
This tool moves content from Slack channels, but it won’t transfer direct messages, group conversations, automated workflows, or data from apps you’ve added to Slack.
Even though there are some limitations, the migration tool should make switching from Slack to Teams much easier.
Slack vs. Microsoft
Slack and Microsoft have a long and interesting history. When Microsoft Teams was first released, Slack publicly welcomed the new competitor.
Stewart Butterfield, Slack’s former CEO, publicly disagreed with his company’s official statements, arguing that Microsoft Teams wasn’t actually a rival to Slack.
The tension between Slack and Microsoft escalated in 2019 when Slack accused Microsoft of unfair and illegal business practices in an antitrust lawsuit. Slack also stated in a financial filing that Microsoft was its main competitor.
I guess Slack disagreed with its then-CEO about the status of Teams as a competitor.
The rivalry between the two companies continued, with Microsoft suggesting Slack wouldn’t be as successful without video conferencing. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella even questioned whether Slack would exist at all if it hadn’t benefited from free access on platforms like Windows.
Salesforce bought Slack in 2021, but even after the acquisition, Slack still competed with Microsoft and Teams.
As an analyst, I’ve been following the ongoing public commentary between Salesforce and Microsoft, and it’s become quite pointed. Just recently, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff dismissed Microsoft Copilot, comparing it unfavorably to the old Clippy assistant and stating it doesn’t actually deliver any real value. This follows his earlier claims from last year, where he accused Microsoft of engaging in unfair practices against Slack.
Slack achieved a significant win in its dispute with Microsoft, specifically regarding how Teams and Office were packaged together. Last year, Microsoft separated Teams from Office 365 in Europe.
The two companies are likely to remain rivals, particularly as they compete to lead the communications industry.
Do you use Slack or Microsoft Teams for work? Tell us about your experience with either platform in the comments below!
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2026-01-17 17:40