I have no 'New Chat' option to select. No matter what i do, it does n.ot appear

If the New Chat button isn't showing, you may be using the newer Chat and Channels layout where the option is under New items instead.

I’d first try Ctrl + N in the Teams desktop app. Microsoft lists that as the shortcut for starting a new chat.

Also check the top of your Chat list for New items or the New message icon. In the newer combined view, Teams has moved some of these options around.

If Ctrl + N doesn't do anything either, try Teams on the web and sign in there. If New Chat appears on the web but not the desktop app, that would point more toward a Teams client/UI issue. Microsoft also recommends restarting Teams or signing out and back in when chat items aren't loading correctly.

It would also help to know whether they're using New Teams desktop, web, or Teams Free, since the interface can be different.

Hello @Ty Bollinger

Based on the information you provided, I understand that when you try to create a new chat with the same members as an existing chat, Microsoft Teams redirects you to the current chat instead of creating a separate conversation.

This behavior is by design in Microsoft Teams. When the same participants are added to a new chat, Teams automatically checks for an existing conversation and may redirect you to that chat instead of creating a duplicate thread.

To create a separate group chat with the same members, please try the following:

1. Click New Chat.
2. Add the members you want to include in the chat.
3. Select the down arrow next to the participant field.
4. Enter a Group Name before sending the first message.
5. Create the chat. Teams should then generate a separate conversation while keeping the same participants.
6. Type your group name so it will create for you a separate group with new chat but still same users.

If you are still unable to create a new group chat, you can try adding an additional member during the creation process. Once the chat has been successfully created, you can remove that member, or add the intended participant back if necessary.

Please let me know if you have any further concerns or questions about this matter.

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