Create a Microsoft Team

Questions

  • How do I create a new team in Microsoft Teams?
  • What do I need to set up a team?
  • How can I invite people to join my team?
  • How do I set up a team for my department or project?
  • How do I choose a team template and decide whether a team is private or public?
  • How do I add channels to a new team?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff who want to set up a new team in Microsoft Teams for department or project collaboration and file storage. Teams can be created in the Microsoft Teams desktop app or in a web browser.

Resolution

1. Open Microsoft Teams

  • Launch Teams: Open the Microsoft Teams app on your computer or go to the Teams website in your browser.
  • Sign in: Use your Bowdoin work or school account to sign in.

2. Start creating your team

  • Create a team: On the left sidebar, select Teams. Then, at the top of the Teams list, select the + to Create or join a team. You may need to select All teams in order to see this option.
  • Select Create team: Select Create team to start the process.

3. Choose a team type

  • Use a template: Select a template that best fits your needs (for example, Staff), then select Use this template.
  • Private or public: Decide whether the team should be private (only invited members can join) or public (anyone in your organization can join). Private is the suggested choice.

4. Name your team and add a description

  • Team name: Enter a name for the team that clearly describes its purpose.
  • Description: Add a brief description to help others understand what the team is for.

5. Add members

  • Invite people: Start typing the names or email addresses of the people you want to add to the team. You can add them now or later.
  • Assign roles:
    • Owners: Can add or remove members, manage settings, and delete the team. A team should have two owners.
    • Members: Can participate in chats, meetings, and channels unless restricted. Member permissions can be modified from Manage team > Settings.

The team is now created and available to use and customize.

6. Set up channels

  • Create channels: Channels are like sub-teams within your main team, organized by topic, project, or department. Create channels to keep conversations and files organized.
  • Default channel: Every team starts with a General channel. You can add more channels as needed by selecting the three dots next to the team name.
    • Standard channel files inherit permissions from the team. All members can access them.
    • Private channel files are only available to invited channel members.
    • Shared channel files follow the permissions set for both internal and external users.

7. Customize your team

  • Team settings: Select the three dots next to the team name and select Manage team to customize settings, add apps, and set permissions.
  • Team picture: Add a team picture to make the team easily recognizable.
Tip: For more details about creating and managing teams, see the Microsoft article listed in the Additional Resources section below.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Additional Resources

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