Creating a Microsoft Team

Questions

  1. How do I create a new team in Microsoft Teams?
  2. What do I need to set up a team?
  3. How can I invite people to join my team?

Environment

This guide is useful for setting up a new team in Microsoft Teams for department or project collaboration and file storage. 

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 work or school account to sign in.

2. Start Creating Your Team

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

3. Choose a Team Type

  • Use a Template: Select a template that best fits your needs (e.g., Staff) and then click Use this template.
  • Private or Public: Decide if you want your team to 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 your 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 your team. You can add them now or later.
  • Assign Roles:
    • Owners: Can add/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 clicking the three dots next to your 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: Click on the three dots next to your team name and select Manage team to customize settings, add apps, and set permissions.
  • Team Picture: Add a team picture to make it easily recognizable.

For more details about creating and managing Teams, please refer to: Create a team from scratch in Microsoft Teams

If you need further assistance, please contact the Bowdoin College Service Desk

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