Microsoft Teams - User's Guide
Topics:
- Getting Started with Microsoft Teams
- Navigating and Customizing Microsoft Teams
- Teams and Channels Management
- Messaging and Communication
- Meetings in Microsoft Teams
- Calling and Audio/Video Features
- File Management and Collaboration
- Using Apps and Microsoft 365 in Teams
Getting Started with Microsoft Teams [back to top]
Can I use Microsoft Teams through my browser?
Yes, you can use Microsoft Teams through your web browser without installing the desktop application.
How to access:
- Go to teams.microsoft.com and sign in with your SIUE email account and password.
Supported browsers:
Browser | Supported versions | Operating System |
---|---|---|
Microsoft Edge | Latest three versions | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Chrome | Latest three versions | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Firefox | Latest three versions | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Safari | Latest two versions | macOS |
Most core features are available, including:
- Chat and messaging
- Audio and video calls
- File sharing and collaboration
- Team and channel management
Limitations:
- Some advanced features may be restricted or unavailable
- Performance might be slightly slower compared to the desktop app
- Video call background effects may be more limited
Is there a mobile app for Microsoft Teams?
Yes, Microsoft Teams has mobile apps available for both iOS and Android devices.
Key points:
- Available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
- Supports smartphones and tablets
- Offers core features like chat, video calls, and file sharing
- Allows access to teams and channels
- Provides notifications for messages and meetings
To download:
- Open your device's app store
- Search for "Microsoft Teams"
- Download and install the app
- Sign in with your SIUE email address and password
For detailed information and download links, visit the official Microsoft Teams mobile app page: Download the mobile app for Microsoft Teams
How do I install Microsoft Teams, and what are the system requirements?
You can download and install Microsoft Teams on various devices:
For Windows/Mac:
- Go to Download Microsoft Teams Desktop and Mobile Apps
- Click Download for Desktop
- Run the downloaded file and follow the installation prompts
For mobile devices:
- Open your device's app store (App Store or Google Play)
- Search for "Microsoft Teams"
- Tap Install or Get
For Linux:
- Visit Download Microsoft Teams Desktop and Mobile Apps
- Select your Linux distribution
- Follow the provided installation instructions
Web-version:
- Go to Microsoft Teams
- Sign in with your SIUE email address and password
For detailed system requirements, see Microsoft's guide: Teams System Requirements
Navigating and Customizing Microsoft Teams [back to top]
How do I navigate the Teams interface?
Microsoft Teams has a user-friendly interface with these key elements:
- App Bar (left): Icons for different sections like Activity, Chat, Teams, and Calendar.
- Main Window (center): Displays content of the selected section.
- Compose Box (bottom): For typing messages and adding attachments.
- Command Box (top): Search or use commands (type "/" for options).
Tip: Use Ctrl+/ (Windows) or Cmd+/ (Mac) to view all keyboard shortcuts.
For a comprehensive guide on navigating Teams, including detailed explanations and visual aids, visit the official Microsoft documentation: Navigate Microsoft Teams
How do I manage notifications, pin, and organize messages in Teams?
Manage Notifications:
- Click the 3 dots near your profile picture > Settings > Notifications and activity
- Customize for: Teams, channels, chats, meetings, and other activities
- Use Custom settings for specific teams/channels
- Set Quiet hours and Quiet days to mute notifications (Only the mobile app has this feature)
Pin Messages and Chats:
- Pin chat: Right-click chat > Pin
- Pin channel message: Message options (...) > Pin
Organize Messages:
- Use Filter to find content in chats/channels
- Create chat folders: More options (...) next to "Chat" > New folder
- Utilize channel Tabs for files and notes
For detailed guides:
- Notifications: Manage notifications in Microsoft Teams
- Pinning: Pin a chat message to the top of a chat in Microsoft Teams
How do I manage Do Not Disturb and Quiet Hours settings in Teams?
Do Not Disturb (DND):
- Click your profile picture
- Select your current status
- Choose "Do not disturb"
Customize DND:
- Click the 3 dots near your profile picture > Settings > Privacy
- Under "Do not disturb," choose who can contact you
Quiet Hours/Days (Mobile app only):
- Go to Settings > Notifications
- Scroll to "Quiet hours"
- Toggle on and set your preferred times
Mobile settings:
- Access via profile picture > Settings > Notifications
- Options similar to desktop version
For more details, see Microsoft's guide: Manage notification settings
Teams and Channels Management [back to top]
How do I create a new team?
At SIUE, the creation process is managed centrally to ensure proper governance and avoid duplication.
To request a new Team:
- Fill out the Teams request form at: Request Form
- You'll be asked to choose between a Teams site and a SharePoint site:
Teams site benefits:- Multiple collaboration tools
- Group chat
- Each Team includes a SharePoint site
- Document sharing only
- Custom workflow capabilities
- Tighter security controls
- Submit the form and wait for approval
For questions or assistance, email teamsadmin@siue.edu.
How can I add and manage team members?
Adding members to a team:
- Go to the team name and click More options (...).
- Select Add member.
- Type the name or email address of the person.
- If you're a team owner: Choose the person's permissions (Member or Owner), then click Add.
- If you're not a team owner: Enter the name, and your request will be sent to the team owner for approval.
Managing existing members (for Team owners):
- Go to the team name and click More options (...)
- Select Manage team
- Go to the Members tab
- Here you can change roles or remove members
For more details, see Microsoft's guide: Add members to a team in Microsoft Teams
How do I create and manage channels?
Channels in Microsoft Teams are dedicated sections within a team to organize conversations, files, and tools. Here's a quick guide:
Creating a channel:
- Select a team
- Click More options (...) next to the team name
- Choose Add channel
- Enter a name and description
- Set privacy settings if needed
- Click Add
Managing channels:
- Edit: Click More options (...) next to the channel name > Edit this channel
- Delete: Click More options (...) > Delete this channel (if you have permissions)
- Manage members: For private channels, click More options (...) > Add members or Manage members
Note: Your ability to create or manage channels may depend on your permissions within the team.
For detailed instructions and best practices, visit Microsoft's official guide: Create a standard, private, or shared channel in Microsoft Teams
Messaging and Communication [back to top]
How do I start chats and conversations in Microsoft Teams?
Starting private chats:
- Click Chat in the left sidebar
- Select New chat at the top
- Type recipient name(s) in the To: field
- Compose message and press Enter
Starting channel conversations:
- Select team and channel
- Click Start a post at the bottom
- Type your message and click Send
For group chats:
- Add multiple names in the To: field
- Or click Add people in an existing chat
Tips:
- Use Format button for text formatting options
- Use Files tab to share documents
For more details, see Microsoft's guide: Chat in Microsoft Teams
How do I use @mentions and tags in Teams?
@mentions:
- Notify individuals, teams, or channels
- Type @ followed by name (e.g., @JohnDoe)
- Select from the dropdown menu
- Mentioned person receives a notification
Tags:
- Group people based on attributes (e.g., role, project)
- Team owners create tags: Team settings > Tags
- Use like @mentions in conversations
- Everyone assigned to the tag is notified
How to use:
- In a new message or reply, type @
- Start typing a name or tag
- Select from the list that appears
- Complete your message and send
Tip: You can @mention or tag multiple people or groups in a single message
For more details, see Microsoft's guide: Use @mentions to get someone's attention in Microsoft Teams
Meetings in Microsoft Teams [back to top]
How do I schedule and join meetings in Teams?
Scheduling a meeting:
- Click Calendar in the left sidebar
- Select New meeting at the top right
- Fill in the details (title, participants, date, time)
- Click Save
Alternatively:
- In a chat, click the + button in the compose box and click Schedule meeting.
- In Outlook, choose New Teams Meeting when creating an event
Joining a meeting:
- From Calendar: Click the meeting and select Join
- From Chat: Click the meeting notification and select Join
- From an invite: Click the Join Microsoft Teams Meeting link
Quick join options:
- Use the Join button next to a meeting in your Calendar
- Click Join on a meeting reminder pop-up
Tips:
- Use Meet now in a channel for immediate meetings
- Adjust audio/video settings before joining
- Use the lobby for meeting security
For more details, see Microsoft's guides:
- Scheduling: Schedule a meeting in Microsoft Teams
- Joining: Join a meeting in Microsoft Teams
How do I share my screen and record meetings?
Sharing your screen:
- In a meeting, click Share content (rectangle with arrow) in the meeting controls
- Choose what to share:
- Desktop: Share your entire screen
- Window: Share a specific application
- PowerPoint: Share a presentation
- Click Stop sharing when finished
Recording a meeting:
- In a meeting, click More actions (...)
- Select Start recording
- To stop, click More actions (...) again and select Stop recording
Tips for screen sharing:
- Use Include system audio to share computer sound
- Give control allows others to interact with your shared screen
- Blur background or use Custom background for privacy
Tips for recording:
- Inform participants that the meeting is being recorded
- Recordings are saved to Microsoft Stream (or OneDrive/SharePoint)
- Only organizers and presenters can start/stop recordings
For more details, see Microsoft's guides:
- Screen sharing: Present content in Microsoft Teams meetings
- Recording: Record a meeting in Microsoft Teams
What meeting settings and options are available?
Key meeting settings and options in Microsoft Teams include:
Before the meeting:
- Meeting options: Click Meeting options when scheduling
- Who can bypass lobby
- Who can present
- Allow attendees to unmute
- Enable meeting chat
During the meeting:
- Audio and video: Mute/unmute, turn camera on/off
- Background effects: Blur or choose virtual background
- Raise hand: Signal you want to speak
- Chat: Open meeting chat panel
- Participants: View and manage attendees
- Breakout rooms: Create smaller discussion groups
- Live captions: Turn on real-time captions
- Recording: Start/stop meeting recording
For presenters/organizers:
- Sharing controls: Manage who can share content
- Lobby controls: Admit or deny entry
- Manage participants: Mute all, remove attendees
After the meeting:
- Meeting notes: Access in the chat or channel
- Recording access: Share or restrict access to recordings
Note: Available options may vary based on your role in the meeting.
Tip:
Many settings can be adjusted mid-meeting. Click More actions (...) to see additional options.
For detailed information, visit Microsoft's guide: Meetings and calls in Microsoft Teams
How do breakout rooms work in Teams?
Breakout rooms allow splitting meeting participants into smaller groups:
Creating breakout rooms:
- In a meeting, click Breakout rooms icon
- Choose number of rooms or participants per room
- Select automatic or manual assignment
Managing rooms:
- Open rooms: Start breakout sessions
- Close rooms: End all breakout sessions
- Reassign participants: Move people between rooms
- Join/leave rooms: Organizers can enter/exit any room
Features:
- Participants can share screens and use whiteboard
- Main room chat remains accessible
- Organizers can broadcast messages to all rooms
Note: Breakout rooms are available only in scheduled meetings.
For detailed instructions, see Microsoft's guide: Use breakout rooms in Microsoft Teams meetings
Calling and Audio/Video Features [back to top]
How do I make audio and video calls in Teams?
Making calls in Teams is straightforward:
Start a call:
- From chat: Click the phone icon at the top for Audio Call, click the down arrow to select Video Call
- From contacts: Click More options (...) > Call
During a call:
- Toggle camera/mic: Click camera/mic icons
- Share screen: Click Share content button
- More options: Click ... for background effects, device settings, etc.
Group calls:
- Start a call with one person
- Click Add people to include others
Tips:
- Use background blur for privacy
- Test audio/video before important calls
- Use headphones to reduce echo
Note: Call quality depends on internet connection and device capabilities.
For more details, see Microsoft's guide: First things to know about calls in Microsoft Teams
How do I set up and use voicemail in Teams?
Voicemail in Teams is automatically set up for users with a Phone System license.
Set up voicemail greeting:
- Go to Settings > Calls
- Under Calls, scroll down to "Manage Voicemail" and choose Record a Greeting.
- Choose to record a new greeting or upload an audio file
Customize voicemail settings:
- Set up call answer rules
- Enable/disable transcription
- Choose notification preferences
Access voicemail messages:
- Click Calls in the left sidebar
- Select the Voicemail tab
- Click on a message to play, read transcript, or delete
Forward voicemail:
- Open the voicemail message
- Click More options (...)
- Select Forward
- Choose recipient and add optional message
Tips:
- Use keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Space to play/pause)
- Set up out-of-office greeting for extended absences
For more details, see Microsoft's guide: Check your voicemail in Microsoft Teams
File Management and Collaboration [back to top]
How can I upload and share files in Teams?
Uploading and sharing files in Microsoft Teams can be done in several ways:
In a chat or channel:
- Click the + button in the compose box, click Attach (paperclip icon).
- Choose Upload from this device or Attach Cloud files
- Select the file and click Open
- Add a message (optional) and hit Send
Alternatively:
- Drag and drop files directly into the chat or channel conversation
In the Files tab:
- Go to the desired team/channel
- Click the Files tab at the top
- Select Upload > Files
- Choose your file and click Open
Sharing options:
- Get link: Create a shareable link to the file
- Attach copy: Send a copy of the file
- Upload from OneDrive: Share files stored in OneDrive
Tips:
- Use @mentions to notify specific people about shared files
- Edit files directly in Teams using Office online apps
- Use the Files section in chats for easy access to shared files
For more details, see Microsoft's guide: Share files in Microsoft Teams
How do I collaborate on documents in real time using Teams?
Teams allows real-time collaboration on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations:
To start collaborating:
- Open a chat or channel
- Click New (next to the paperclip icon)
- Choose the type of file (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Name your file and click Create
To collaborate on an existing file:
- Share the file in a chat or channel
- Click the file to open it
- Select Edit in Teams
Real-time collaboration features:
- Simultaneous editing: Multiple users can edit at once
- Real-time changes: See others' edits as they happen
- Comments: Add and reply to comments in the document
- Chat: Use the side chat panel for discussions
Tips for effective collaboration:
- Use @mentions in comments to notify specific team members
- Turn on Track Changes in Word for better revision management
- Use the Version History to review or restore previous versions
Note: Collaboration capabilities may vary based on the apps installed.
For more details, see Microsoft's guide: Collaborate on files in Microsoft Teams
How does Teams integrate with OneDrive and SharePoint?
Microsoft Teams seamlessly integrates with OneDrive and SharePoint for efficient file storage and sharing:
OneDrive integration:
- Files shared in private chats are stored in your OneDrive
- Access OneDrive files directly within Teams
- Share OneDrive files in chats or channels
SharePoint integration:
- Each team has a SharePoint site for file storage
- Files shared in channels are stored in the team's SharePoint site
- Team members can access and edit these files collaboratively
Key features:
- Files tab: Access team files stored in SharePoint
- Cloud storage: Add other cloud storage services
- Co-authoring: Edit Office documents simultaneously
- Version history: Track and restore previous versions
How to use:
- In a chat or channel, click Files tab
- Select Add cloud storage to connect OneDrive or other services
- Upload, share, or create new files directly in Teams
Tips:
- Use Sync to access team files offline via OneDrive desktop app
- Share link to OneDrive/SharePoint files for easy collaboration
- Set appropriate permissions when sharing sensitive documents
For more details, see Microsoft's guide: Collaborating with Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive
How do file permissions work in Teams?
File permissions in Teams are based on SharePoint settings:
Channel files:
- Stored in team's SharePoint site
- All team members have access by default
- Permissions inherited from team/channel settings
Private chat files:
- Stored in sharer's OneDrive
- Automatically shared with chat participants
Permission levels:
- View: Read-only access
- Edit: Can modify files
- Owner: Full control, including permission management
Changing permissions:
- Open file in Teams
- Click Share > Manage Access
- Adjust permissions as needed
For more details, see Microsoft's guide: Share Your Documents
Using Apps and Microsoft 365 in Teams [back to top]
How can I add and use apps within Teams?
Microsoft Teams allows you to add and use various apps to enhance productivity:
Adding apps:
- Click Apps in the left sidebar
- Browse or search for the app you want
- Select the app and click Add or Add to a team
Using apps:
- Personal apps: Access via the left sidebar
- Team apps: Find in the top navigation of channels
- Chat/Meeting apps: Use the + icon in chats or meetings
Common app locations:
- Tabs: Top of chats, channels, or meetings
- Message extensions: Compose box in chats or channels
- Connectors: Automate updates from external services
Managing apps:
- Right-click an app icon
- Choose Manage to pin, remove, or configure settings
Tips:
- Use the App bar (left side) for quick access to frequently used apps
- Some apps may require additional sign-in or configuration
For more details, see Microsoft's guide: Access your apps in Microsoft Teams
How do I use Microsoft 365 apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) in Teams?
Teams integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 apps:
Creating new files:
- In a channel, click New > Choose app (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Name the file and click Create
Accessing existing files:
- Click Files tab in a channel or chat
- Select the file to open in Teams
Collaboration features:
- Real-time co-authoring
- In-app chat for document discussions
- @mentions for specific user feedback
Sharing in chats:
- Click Attach > Browse Teams and Channels
- Select file and choose sharing permissions
Tips:
- Use Files tab to manage all channel documents
- Pin important files for easy access
- Set up Tabs for frequently used documents
Need Help?
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the ITS Help Desk:
- Call: (618) 650-5500
- Email: help@siue.edu
- Visit Lovejoy Library Room 0005 during regular business hours.