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Microsoft Team vs Channel

Overview

Microsoft Teams helps people work together in groups called Teams. Inside each Team, there are Channels to keep things organized. Understanding when to make a new Team or just add a new Channel can help keep communication clear and easy to manage.

Getting Started

This section explains the key differences between a Team and a Channel and gives guidance on when to use each one.

Understanding Teams

Teams are full workspaces for a group of people who need to collaborate long-term.

  1. A Team includes members, shared files, chats, and settings.
  2. Each Team has Channels to organize conversations and content by topic.
  3. Create a new Team when a separate group of people need their own space to collaborate regularly.

Understanding Channels

Channels are sections within a Team that help organize discussions and files by topic or project.

  1. Channels can be Standard (open to all Team members) or Private (only for selected people).
  2. Use Channels to keep a single Team organized by projects, topics, or departments.
  3. Create a new Channel when you need to discuss something specific with the same group of people.

Additional Details

  • Too many Teams can make it hard to track updates and notifications.
  • Private Channels are best for sensitive or restricted topics within an existing Team.
  • Use Team settings to control who can create Channels or add members.

Resources

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