Microsoft Teams just got a makeover! Feeling lost in the new interface? This quick guide will help you navigate the updated Teams experience with ease. We'll cover essential features, streamlined navigation, and practical organization tips to boost your productivity. Learn how to find what you need faster and work more efficiently in the revamped Microsoft Teams. Let's get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Understanding the New Layout
- They are now consolidated under the Chat button on the left side of your screen.
Understanding the New Layout -
Utilizing the Favorites Feature
- Instead of pinning, use the Favorites feature to highlight frequently used teams and chats. Add or remove items from Favorites using the three-dot menu.
Utilizing the Favorites Feature -
Mastering Sections
- Create sections to group similar teams and chats for easier access. This is a personal organizational tool.
- Create new sections by clicking the arrow at the top of the left-hand panel, selecting "New section," and giving it a name.
- Add teams and channels to sections by selecting the three-dot menu beside the channel and choosing "Show in section." You must add each channel individually.
- Move chats into a section by selecting the three-dot menu and selecting "Move to." Choose the desired section from the options.
Mastering Sections - Drag and drop to rearrange items within a section to customize the order for better visual organization.
Mastering Sections -
Quick Navigation
- Use the top buttons (Channels, Chats, Meetings) to quickly filter the left-hand panel and view only the desired elements.
Quick Navigation -
Optional: Restoring the Separate Teams Button
- If you prefer the separate Teams and Chats view, navigate to Settings > Chats and Channels and select "Separate" instead of "Combined."
Optional: Restoring the Separate Teams Button -
Optional: Customizing Timestamps
- In Settings > Chats and Channels, toggle timestamps on or off to display the last activity time in each section.
Optional: Customizing Timestamps
Tips
- Experiment with different organizational methods within sections to find what suits your workflow best.
- Sections are personalized; your organization doesn't affect others' views.
- The combined view (Chats, Teams, Channels together) and the separate view (Teams and Chats separate) are both viable options, choose what works best for you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring Activity Feed
Reason: Users miss important notifications, updates, and mentions buried in the activity feed, leading to missed deadlines or important information.
Solution: Regularly check your activity feed and utilize its filtering options to prioritize important notifications.
2. Poorly Organized Channels and Chats
Reason: Unorganized channels and chats lead to difficulty finding specific information, causing frustration and wasted time searching through numerous conversations.
Solution: Create clearly named channels, use threaded replies within channels, and archive or delete unnecessary chats to maintain a streamlined workspace.
3. Overuse of @mentions
Reason: Excessive use of @mentions floods inboxes and creates unnecessary notifications, leading to information overload and decreased productivity.
Solution: Use @mentions sparingly and thoughtfully, only when absolutely necessary to draw attention to critical information.
FAQs
Where did my chat history go?
Microsoft Teams' new interface might reorganize your chats. Check your 'Chats' section on the left navigation bar. If you still can't find it, try searching for specific keywords or contacts within Teams.
How do I customize my view and add/remove apps?
The updated Teams allows for significant customization. Click on your profile picture, then select 'Settings'. From there, you can adjust your notification settings, add and remove apps from your left-hand navigation bar, and personalize your view to focus on what's important to you.