Keyboard Shortcuts for Microsoft Teams – Tech Tip for July 7, 2020
Our May Tech Tips covering new features in Microsoft Teams was so popular that we have decided to share additional Microsoft Teams tips and tricks this month. Our first topic is the ever-popular keyboard shortcuts. If you’re not a fan of using your mouse, here’s a list of useful keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Teams:
1. Open Search
While talking with multiple people in various channels, it can be painful to find a message. One can use the search feature for that. Use the Ctrl + E on Windows or the Command + E on Mac keyboard shortcut to open the search menu.
2. Start New Chat
Composing a new chat is quite straight-forward. You can either go to the chat menu and tap on the compose button at the top, and even better, one can use the Ctrl + N on Windows or the Command + N on Mac keyboard shortcut to start a new chat.
3. Navigation in Sidebar
These are must-have for every Teams user. With the below-mentioned keyboard shortcuts, you can quickly jump through different menus such as activity, calls, chat, and more.
- Ctrl + 1 on Windows or Command + 1 on Mac to go to the Activity menu
- Ctrl + 2 on Windows or Command + 2 on Mac to go to Chat menu
- Ctrl + 3 on Windows or Command + 3 on Mac to go to Teams menu
- Ctrl + 4 on Windows or Command + 4 on Mac to go to Calls menu
- Ctrl + 5 on Windows or Command + 5 on Mac to go to the File section, which displays all the files shared in the service
4. Attach a File
While in a chat, you can quickly attach a file from the PC or the OneDrive cloud storage app. Use the Ctrl + O on Windows or the Command + O on Mac keyboard shortcut to open the menu to attach a file in channels or separate chats.
5. Start Audio/Video Call
With the usual chat function, you can also place an audio or video call to the other person. To make an audio call, use the Ctrl + Shift + C on Windows or the Command + Shift + C on Mac keyboard shortcut. For video calls, opt for the Ctrl + Shift + U keyboard shortcut on Windows or the Command + Shift + U keys on Mac.
6. Decline the Incoming Call
During some important work, you might want to decline the incoming calls on Microsoft Teams. You can tap on the red decline button or even better, use the keyboard shortcut for that. One can use the Ctrl + Shift + D on Windows or the Command + Shift + D keys to reject calls on Mac.
7. Accept Audio/Video Calls
Earlier we talked about declining the call. Let’s look at the keyboard shortcuts for accepting calls. To accept incoming audio calls, one can use the Ctrl + Shift + S on Windows or the Command + Shift + S keyboard shortcut on Mac. For accepting video calls, consider using Ctrl + Shift + A on Windows or Command + Shift + A on Mac.
8. Toggle Mute
During group voice or video calls, you might want to mute the audio from your side. Users can either tap on the mute button in the menu or use the Ctrl + Shift + M on Windows or the Command + Shift + M shortcut on Mac.
9. Open Emoji Menu
These shortcuts are built-in both the Windows 10 and macOS. Using emojis in chat adds the extra delicate touch. You can tap on the little emoji icon in chat or use the Windows + period (.) keys on Windows 10 or the Control + Command + Space keyboard shortcut on Mac or to open the emoji menu.
10. Open Commands Menu
Microsoft Teams comes with a bunch of commands to improve productivity. You can type Ctrl + / on Windows or Command + / on Mac to open the commands menu and use the functions such as call, chat, DND, help menu, join a team, and more.
11. Open Keyboards Shortcuts Menu
Microsoft Teams supports an extensive list of keyboard shortcuts for various functions. We have mentioned some of the most popular options above. The company provides a dedicated keyboard shortcuts menu, which the power users can glance over frequently to remember the keyboard shortcuts. To access the menu, use the Ctrl + period (.) keys on Windows or the Command + period (.) keys on Mac.
Need additional support with Teams? Refer to Microsoft’s Teams Help & Learning.