Getting Started with Microsoft Teams
A Guide to Starting with MS Teams
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that brings everything you need for teamwork into one place. Whether you’re chatting, meeting, sharing files or working with projects in real-time, it’s packed with features to make work easier.
Working together has never been more important. Teams is easy to use, but like most tools, it can take a little bit of getting used to. Let’s run through the basics so you can max out on productivity and working with your colleagues.
How do I download and install Microsoft Teams?
Downloading MS Teams is free and couldn’t be easier, we’ve even got the link for you. Head to Microsoft’s website and download it directly.
You may be lucky enough to already have Teams installed on your computer, thanks to the device management software that’s on there. To find out, open your Applications folder and scroll to the app file. You can drag it to your dock to keep this app there for easy access.
If you have Microsoft Apps for Business, you’ll likely only have access to Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook. If you want Teams too you should be able to download it here.
Do you need Microsoft to download teams?
Yes, while you don’t need a Microsoft account to download teams, you do need a Microsoft account to use it fully. Teams is part of the Microsoft 365 suite, so having an account gives you access to all its features. As part of your work set up, you may have been assigned a Microsoft account so that you can use everything Teams has to offer. If you don’t have a login, it’s worth asking your line manager or IT department if this is a possibility.
How do I use Microsoft Teams?!
If you haven’t used this collaboration tool before, don’t worry. There are plenty of handy video guides from Microsoft on how to get started and how to use the app. Have a look at some of the Microsoft Teams Video Training to find out how to use it in more detail.
As long as you’re signed in, you can join meetings, collaborate with others, start a chat or a call, schedule meetings, collaborate on files and use some of the integrated apps that go hand in hand with Teams.
Do I need to install Teams to join a meeting?
Wondering if you can join a Teams meeting without installing the app? The good news is that If you’re on the go, you don’t need to install Teams to join a meeting. If you’re invited to a meeting, you can join directly through your web browser using a link provided in the invite.
However, if you want to access all the features, like chat history, file sharing and some of the other collaboration tools, installing the Teams app on your device is a good idea. But for quick meetings or if you’re using a shared device, the web option works as long as you have a stable internet connection.
Help! I can’t login to Microsoft Teams.
You sign into Teams using a set of Microsoft credentials. If your organisation uses Microsoft as its email provider, then these are the same details you would enter.
If your organisation uses Gmail as its mail provider, this is likely to be the same account name but could be a different password.
Not sure what your account name is? Just ask your friendly IT person!
Forgotten your password? You may be able to reset this yourself by clicking the forgot password option when signing-in. What if you can’t reset the password yourself? That’s where your IT support comes in again, just give them a shout.
How to attach Teams files to Outlook via OneDrive
This is a question we get asked a lot at Systems&Smiles. One of the big bonuses of Teams is that it integrates so well with other Microsoft apps and tools like Outlook and OneDrive. With OneDrive, you can collaborate, share files with others and keep your important data backed up, and accessible whenever you need it.
If you need to attach your files that are stored in OneDrive app to an email in Outlook, one option is to download the file to your desktop and then attach it to your email in the usual.
You can sync your Teams with Onedrive, and this makes life a lot easier – you can see how to do this in our video guide here.
Are you confused about the difference between OneDrive, Teams and Sharepoint, and how they work together? We have a separate explainer on that!
Need more help?
Ultimately, Microsoft Teams is a fantastic tool that makes teamwork a breeze, especially when it comes to remote working. It’s super user-friendly and works smoothly with other Microsoft apps. You can easily chat, share files, and collaborate with your team.
Whether you’re just getting started or want to level up your skills, there are loads of resources to help you out. So go ahead, jump in, explore all the features and start enjoying working together with Microsoft Teams.
Do you need some extra help with this, or do you have any questions? If you’re an S&S client, get in touch with our team and submit a request. If you’re an office manager and need to hand off your IT support, get in touch!