Just getting started with Microsoft Teams? You’re not alone! As more businesses embrace digital collaboration, Teams has become the go-to hub for chat, meetings, and file sharing. But beyond basic messaging, it’s packed with features that can seriously upgrade your workflow—if you know where to look.
Here are 10 essential tips every new user should know to work smarter, not harder
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📌 Pin Important Chats & Channels
Tired of scrolling to find your most-used Teams or chats? Right-click on a chat or channel and select Pin to keep them at the top for quick access. -
🔔 Use @Mentions for Clear Communication
Tag team members directly using@nameor use@teamto notify the whole group. It ensures your message doesn’t get missed. -
✅ Turn Messages into Actionable Tasks
Got an important request in a chat? Click the “…” menu next to a message and turn it into a task in Planner or To Do, so nothing slips through the cracks. -
🔖 Bookmark Key Messages
Save critical messages by selecting Save this message from the “…” menu. Find them later under your profile > Saved. -
🔍 Master the Search Bar
Use it to find chats, files, or people. Type/for quick commands (like/filesto see recent documents) or@to mention colleagues fast. -
⏳ Set Status & Schedule Focus Time
Let your team know when you’re in a meeting or need uninterrupted time. Use the calendar to block Focus Time and Teams will update your availability automatically. -
📖 Use Immersive Reader
Want to focus better or translate a message? Click the “…” on any message and select Immersive Reader for text-to-speech, language tools, and clean reading. -
📞 Start Instant Calls
No need to set up a formal meeting. In any 1-on-1 or group chat, click the phone or video icon to start an instant voice or video call. -
🎨 Customize Your Background During Meetings
Blur your background or upload a custom image for a clean, distraction-free video call. Click More Actions > Apply background effects. -
🔧 Tailor Your Notifications
Avoid alert overload. Go to Settings > Notifications to choose what you want to be notified about and when.
Whether you’re onboarding your team or looking to streamline your digital workspace, Tech911 can help you make the most of Microsoft Teams. From training to automation, we’ve got your back.