Microsoft Teams: chat, meet and collaborate
Learn how teams, channels, chats and meetings work together, and how to keep conversations and files organised.
Last reviewed: November 2026
Key terms
- Team: a group of people who work together, usually a department or project.
- Channel: a topic area inside a team, where conversations and files are kept.
- Chat: a private or group conversation outside channels.
- Meeting: a video or audio call, which can be scheduled in advance or started at once.
Schedule a meeting
- Open the Calendar in Teams and select New meeting.
- Add a title, date, time and attendees.
- Add an agenda in the body of the invitation.
- Send the invitation. Attendees receive a link they can use to join.
Meeting tips
- Test your camera, microphone and speakers before the call from the device settings screen.
- Use Background effects to blur or change your background.
- Use Raise hand and the chat panel for questions, so people can speak in turn.
- Recordings are saved to the meeting chat or channel where you have permission.
Share files
Files shared in a channel are stored in SharePoint and can be edited together in Word, Excel or PowerPoint. Use one shared copy rather than sending attachments, so everyone works on the same version.
Common problems
I cannot hear or be heard in a meeting
Check that the correct microphone and speaker are selected in Device settings, that Teams has permission to use them, and that the device is not muted.
I cannot see a team or channel
You may not have been added yet, or the channel may be private. Ask the team owner to add you.
The app is slow
Close other heavy apps, check your internet connection, and make sure Teams is up to date.
Frequently asked questions
Is Teams the same as Teams Free?
No. Teams is available in several plans, and Teams Free has fewer features. Check the plan you have under your account, or on Microsoft’s official website.