Creating a team from existing resources in Microsoft Teams is a relatively straightforward process. This can be beneficial to organizations that have pre-existing sets of resources in Microsoft 365 Groups, SharePoint sites, or Yammer communities. It increases efficiency and consolidation of data, leads to effective collaboration, and shrinks redundancy.
Creating a Team from an Existing Microsoft 365 Group or Team
For organizations with existing Microsoft 365 Groups or Teams, these can be used as a base to create a new team. Microsoft Teams utilises the services provided by Microsoft 365 Groups, such as calendar events, SharePoint site sharing, and Planner tasks.
To create a team from an existing group,
- Click on the Teams tab on the left side of the Teams interface.
- Then, on the right, click on Join or create a team.
- Click Create Team, and then select From a group or team under the Create from section.
You will see all Groups and Teams you are an Owner of listed. Choose one and select
Creating a Team will not affect the workings of the existing Group. Instead, it adds more resources to the Group, specifically for collaborative teamwork.
Creating a Team from an Existing SharePoint Online Site
SharePoint sites provide an effective way for organizations to share documents and other resources. You can generate a team from an existing site, which will provide a dedicated Teams context for further discussion and collaboration.
To create a Team from a SharePoint Online Site:
- Go to the SharePoint site.
- On the bottom-left corner, you should see a box that says Private group.
- Inside this box, click on the Create a Team.
The SharePoint site and the Team are linked together, meaning you can navigate between the two easily. You can continue to share files in SharePoint and bring those into your Team conversations.
Creating a Team from an Existing Yammer Community
Yammer communities are fantastic for more casual, enterprise-wide communication. You can generate a Team from your Yammer community to ensure all members can participate in more structured, private team discussions.
To create a Team from an existing Yammer Community:
- Go to your Yammer community.
- On the right side, under Community Updates, click Create a Team.
- Follow the steps to create your Team.
Creating a Team will not alter the workings of the existing Yammer community. It will add a “Microsoft Teams” tab within the Yammer community; accessing this will take you to your newly created Team in Microsoft Teams.
In conclusion, utilizing pre-existing resources to create a team on Microsoft Teams can make the transition seamless. It’s a great way to ensure that all vital data is readily available to all members and to have a collaborative space for enhanced productivity. Whether it is an existing Microsoft 365 Group, a SharePoint site, or a Yammer community, each can be efficiently converted into a team on Microsoft Teams, adding a new way to interact and collaborate effectively.
Practice Test
True/False: In Microsoft Teams, you can add members to a team from your organization’s existing user list.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Microsoft Teams allows you to add users to a team from the existing list of users within your organization, thereby utilizing existing resources.
Multiple Select: Which of the following resources can be utilized to create a team in Microsoft Teams?
- a) Existing users in the organization
- b) Existing Office 365 groups
- c) External users
- d) SharePoint sites
Answer: a) Existing users in the organization, b) Existing Office 365 groups, c) External users
Explanation: Microsoft Teams supports adding existing users within your organization, existing Office 365 groups, and even external users to a team. SharePoint sites can also be added as a tab in a team but cannot be directly converted to a team.
Single Select: Can an existing Team be saved as a template for creating a new team in Microsoft Teams?
- a) Yes
- b) No
Answer: a) Yes
Explanation: Yes, an existing team in Microsoft Teams can be saved as a template which can be used to create a new team, thereby saving time and effort.
True/False: Only the Microsoft Teams admin has the authority to add users to a team in Microsoft Teams.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While a Microsoft Teams admin has the authority to add users to a team, the team owner and members with suitable privileges can also add users to a team.
Multiple Select: What are the options available when creating a new team from an existing team in Microsoft Teams?
- a) Clone the team
- b) Use the team as a template
- c) Import the team settings
- d) Create a new team
Answer: a) Clone the team, b) Use the team as a template, c) Import the team settings
Explanation: When creating a new team from an existing team in Microsoft Teams, you can clone the team, use the team as a template, or import the team’s settings.
Single Select: Does cloning a team in Microsoft Teams also clone the team’s settings and permissions?
- a) Yes
- b) No
Answer: a) Yes
Explanation: Cloning a team in Microsoft Teams includes the team’s settings and permissions, helping you to save time by not having to configure these settings manually.
True/False: Microsoft Teams only allows you to create a new team from your organization’s existing user list.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: In addition to your organization’s existing user list, you can also create a new team from existing Office 365 groups and even external users.
Multiple Select: Who can create a team in Microsoft Teams?
- a) Teams admin
- b) Team owner
- c) Team member
- d) Guest user
Answer: a) Teams admin, b) Team owner, c) Team member
Explanation: Teams admin, team owner, and team members have the privilege to create a team in Microsoft Teams. Guest users can’t create a team.
Single Select: What should you do if you want to create a team from an existing Office 365 group in Microsoft Teams?
- a) Create a team and add the Office 365 group
- b) Clone an existing team
- c) Select the Office 365 group while creating a team
- d) Use the Office 365 group as a template
Answer: c) Select the Office 365 group while creating a team
Explanation: You should select the Office 365 group while creating a team if you want to create a team from an existing Office 365 group in Microsoft Teams.
True/False: Inviting an external user to join a team in Microsoft Teams is considered as creating a team from existing resources.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: When you invite an external user to a Microsoft Teams team, you’re actually leveraging your existing resources to create a diverse and inclusive team.
Interview Questions
What is the first step to consider when creating a team from existing resources in MS-700 managing Microsoft Teams?
The first step is to identify an existing Office 365 Group or team site to connect with the new team.
What is the procedure to create a team from an existing Office 365 Group in Microsoft Teams?
To create a team from an existing Office 365 Group in Teams, select the Teams node in the left-side menu, then select “Join or create a team” in the bottom-left corner, select “Create team”, “From a group or team”, and then choose the appropriate Office 365 Group.
How can I add a SharePoint site while creating a Team from existing resources?
While creating your Team, select the SharePoint option and enter the link of the SharePoint site to add it to your new Microsoft Team.
Can I use an existing distribution list to create a team?
Yes, you can use an existing distribution list to create a team. When creating a team, select “Create a team from a distribution list” and choose the required distribution list.
Can I create a team from a SharePoint Site in Microsoft Teams?
Yes, while creating a new team you have an option to select a SharePoint Site, you would need to paste the SharePoint site link to create the Team.
How can I add existing Office 365 Groups to my new Microsoft Team?
When creating a new team, you will have an option to select “Create team from an existing Office 365 Group”. Chose this option and select the desired Group.
If an Office 365 Group is deleted, what happens to the associated team?
If an Office 365 Group is deleted, the associated team will also be deleted.
Can I create multiple Teams from a single Office 365 groups or SharePoint site?
No, you can only associate one Microsoft Teams team with one Office 365 Group or SharePoint site.
How can I manage the users or members of my new Team created from existing resources?
You can manage members of your team through the Teams Admin Center or by onboard member management in the Team settings.
Is it possible to transfer chats from an original team to a new team, when creating a new Team using existing resources?
No, Microsoft Teams does not currently support transferring chats from one team to another, even when the new team is created from existing resources.
Can I add external users to the new team I’m creating from an existing Office 365 Group?
Yes, if your organization allows guest access, you can add external users to your team.
Are there any limitations on the size of an Office 365 Group that can be used to create a team?
There is a limit of 1,000 members in an Office 365 Group that can be used to create a team.
Can I use an existing Yammer network to create a team?
No, you can’t create a team from a Yammer network. However, you can integrate Yammer with Teams by adding it as a tab in your team.
Can I associate an existing Team with a new Office 365 Group or SharePoint site?
No, once a Team has been created and associated with an Office 365 Group or SharePoint site, it’s not possible to re-associate it to a different Group or site.
Can the owner of a Team, created from an existing Office 365 Group, add or remove members?
Yes, the owner of a Team has the ability to add or remove members, unless these permissions have been specifically restricted by an administrator.