Tips for Microsoft Teams

Pin important conversations and channels

Pin channels you work with most often and they'll appear at the top of your list under Pinned for quick access. Select More options ... to the right of the channel name, then select Pin.

Update your status 

1. Click on your Teams image or initials icon (top-right)

2. Use the status update drop-down to let other user know when you are Available, Busy, in Do Not Disturb mode, appear to Be Right Back, Appear Away of Appear Offline. 

Note: Your status will automatically adjust accordingly when you have scheduled meetings on your calendar and/or are actively on a Teams call.  

Make Teams more accessible with keyboard shortcuts 

In the Teams app, press Ctrl + . to display a list of available keyboard shortcuts.

Click to view the 16 essential Microsoft Teams keyboard shortcuts poster x MS

Streamline access with custom tabs

Create custom tabs to give your teammates easy access to the files, tools, and sites they use every day. Select + next to the tabs at the top of your chat or channel to add a new one. It'll be visible to all your teammates instantly.

More about apps in Teams

Add memes to any conversation 

Add GIFs to inject some personality into your conversations. Select the GIF button under the box where you type your message and search for the one you want. Select Send when ready. 

Stay in the loop with Activity

Activity is where you can see all your notifications—from @mentions to replies to conversations you started—in one place. You specify what shows up in Activity via your notifications settings (see previous tip). Find Activity at the top left of Teams.

Collaborate on files with Teams

Attach a file to any message by selecting Attach below where you write your message. Once you send the file it'll automatically appear in the Files tab above the channel or message so anyone can get to it.

Learn how to optimize Files feature in Teams

Browse solutions in Teams

In the bottom left corner of Teams you can find Help. Select Help > Topics, then browse featured topics, or search for something you need. You can also check out the Training tab for short how-to videos to get up to speed on Teams.