9 Hidden Features to Use TODAY in Microsoft Teams!

Hidden Features in Microsoft Teams

Introduction to Microsoft Teams Features

• The speaker discusses the common tendency to ignore detailed manuals for new technology, emphasizing the importance of understanding features for optimal use.

• A free ebook is offered as a resource to enhance productivity in Teams meetings, encouraging viewers to explore additional tools.

Managing Notifications in Activity Feed

• The activity feed can become cluttered with notifications; users are guided on how to manage these effectively.

• Users can access notification settings through the menu or team settings, allowing customization of what notifications appear in their activity feed.

• Specific notifications, such as meeting invitations already received via Outlook, can be turned off to reduce distractions.

Organizing Chats and Channels

• Inactive chat threads can be hidden by selecting the three-dot menu and choosing 'hide,' helping users focus on current conversations.

• Hidden chats remain accessible through the search function, ensuring that important information is not lost.

• Users are shown how to hide inactive channels within teams by adjusting settings under 'chats and channels,' streamlining their workspace.

Scheduling Meetings Effectively

• When scheduling meetings in Teams, various options allow control over participant permissions and meeting features.

• Meeting options include controlling who can present, enabling/disabling chat during meetings, and managing attendee microphone access for better organization.

Integrating Other Apps into Teams

• Users are informed about adding applications like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel directly into Teams for easier access while working.

Creating and Managing Content in Microsoft Teams

Creating New Documents

• Users can create new content by closing the current document and opening a blank one, which will be stored in their OneDrive Business account.

• The integration of Office apps within Teams allows quick access to existing files and the ability to create new documents seamlessly.

Scheduling Messages

• A user can draft a message in Teams chat and schedule it for delivery at a specific time, even if the recipient is not currently available.

• To schedule a message, right-click the send button, select the desired delivery time, and confirm. Changes can be made later by hovering over the scheduled message.

Managing Notifications

• Users can minimize distractions during weekends or evenings by muting notifications through "quiet time" settings in Teams.

• Access "Viva Insights" from the app menu to set quiet times that prevent mobile notifications during specified hours.

Setting Availability Status

• Users can manage their availability status without updating their Outlook calendar by setting a custom status message in Teams.

• The status message can indicate unavailability while allowing users to specify when they will return.

Enhancing Workflow with Chat Windows

• Users can pop out chats into new windows for better multitasking while working on files within Teams.

• This feature helps maintain conversations alongside file editing, improving overall productivity.

Opening Files Directly in Desktop Apps

• Users have the option to open Office files directly in desktop applications instead of using built-in editors within Teams.

• By adjusting settings under "Files," users can streamline their workflow by editing documents directly on their computers while maintaining synchronization with Teams.

Conclusion: Transformative Features of Microsoft Teams