If you’re a frequent user of Teams, you may have come across a feature called ‘Channels.’ Channels in Microsoft Teams are a crucial component for collaboration and communication within the platform. As someone preparing for the MS-700 Managing Microsoft Teams exam, understanding this feature is key. In this article, we’ll dive into how to create channels, different types of channels available, and offer examples for clarity.
Understanding Channels: A Brief Introduction
Channels work as individual discussion and collaboration spaces within a team. They provide a centralized location for file storage, data, and conversations related to specific topics, projects, or departments.
Let’s look at the two types of channels in Microsoft Teams: Standard and Private.
| Standard Channels | Private Channels |
|---|---|
| Accessible by all team members | Accessible by only a specific group within a team |
| Ideal for broad topics and company-wide updates | Ideal for sensitive data or smaller project groups |
Steps to Create a Standard Channel in Microsoft Teams
- Choose a Team for the New Channel
Navigate to the team in which you want to create the new channel. - Click ‘More Options’ (⋯)
Click on the ‘More options’ button next to the team’s name. - Select ‘Add Channel’
From the drop-down menu, select ‘Add Channel.’ - Configure the New Channel
In the pop-up window, enter the name and description of the new channel. If you want this channel to be a favorite for everyone in the team, select ‘Automatically show this channel in everyone’s channel list.’ - Click ‘Add’
Click ‘Add’ to create the new channel.
Steps to Create a Private Channel in Microsoft Teams
- Navigate to the Team
Navigate to the team in which you want to create the new private channel. - Click ‘More Options’ (⋯)
Click on the ‘More options’ button next to the team’s name. - Select ‘Create Channel’
From the drop-down menu, select ‘Create Channel.’ - Choose ‘Private’ under ‘Privacy’
When configuring the channel, choose ‘Private’ under the ‘Privacy’ section. - Add Members
You will then be prompted to add members to your new private channel. - Click ‘Create’
Click ‘Create’ to finalize the new private channel.
Below is a visual demonstration of the process:
Team —-(click More Options)—–> Add Channel —-(Name and describe channel, choose privacy type, add members if private)—–> Click Add/Create
Importance of Creating Channels in the Context of MS-700
An effective communication landscape is essential for any company, hence, the ability to create and manage channels appropriately is a must-have skill for MS-700 candidates. During the MS-700 Managing Microsoft Teams exam, candidates may be required to demonstrate their proficiency in creating, managing, and deleting channels.
In all, understanding and utilizing channels in Microsoft Teams empowers users to streamline communication, compartmentalize discussions, and better manage collaborative efforts within the team, all crucial skillsets for those looking to pass the MS-700 exam.
Practice Test
Microsoft Teams allows multiple channels to be created under a single team.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: In Microsoft Teams, you can create multiple channels under the same team. These channels can be used for different projects or topics, allowing for better organization and collaboration within the team.
Which of the following are types of channels that can be created in Microsoft Teams?
- Standard channels
- Private channels
- Public channels
- Off-record channels
Answer: Standard channels, Private channels
Explanation: In Microsoft Teams, you can create standard channels that are open to all members of the team, and private channels that are open to specific people only.
It is mandatory for all team members to be a part of every channel within a team.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: It is not necessary for all members of a team to be in every channel. Team members can choose to join or can be added to specific channels as needed.
Which of the following actions can be performed in the channel creation process in Microsoft Teams?
- Naming the channel
- Adding a description
- Setting the channel as a favorite
- All of the above
Answer: All of the above
Explanation: While creating a channel in Microsoft Teams, it can be named, described for easy understanding, and can be set as a favorite for easy access.
Private channels can be accessed by anyone in the team.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Private channels can only be accessed by specific individuals who have been invited or added by the channel owner.
The process of creating a channel in Microsoft Teams involves the Microsoft Teams Admin Center.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Channels in Microsoft Teams are usually created by team owners or members within the Teams app, not in the Teams Admin Center.
A deleted channel can be restored in Microsoft Teams.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, a deleted channel can be restored in Microsoft Teams within 21 days of being deleted.
Only the team owner can create channels in Microsoft Teams.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Both team owners and team members can create channels in Microsoft Teams, although this can be controlled and limited by team settings set by the owner.
When a private channel is created in Microsoft Teams, it creates a new SharePoint site.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Every private channel has a separate SharePoint site collection for file storage, separate from the parent team site.
The maximum number of channels (including deleted ones) you can have in a team in Microsoft Teams is:
- 500
- 1000
- 2000
- 5000
Answer: 2000
Explanation: As per Microsoft Teams limitations, you can have up to 2000 channels (including deleted ones) in a single team.
Interview Questions
What steps do you take to create a new channel in Microsoft Teams?
To create a channel in Microsoft Teams, go to Teams > select the team in which you want to add a channel > select More options > Add Channel. Then, add a name for the channel, set the permissions and privacy level, and then select Add.
Can you change a channel’s privacy settings after it’s been created?
No, you cannot change a channel’s privacy settings after it’s been created. You need to choose between Standard (accessible to all team members) and Private (accessible only to a specific group within the team) while creating the channel.
What is a Private Channel in Microsoft Teams and how is it different from Standard Channels?
A Private Channel in Microsoft Teams is accessible only to a specific group of people within the team. Unlike Standard Channels, which are visible to all team members, Private Channels allow for more controlled access and communication.
How many standard channels can you create within a single team in Microsoft Teams?
You can create up to 200 standard channels within a single team in Microsoft Teams.
Is there a limit to the number of private channels you can create in Microsoft Teams?
Yes, you can create up to 30 private channels for each team in Microsoft Teams.
Who can create new channels in Microsoft Teams?
Any member of a team can create new channels within that team by default. However, the team’s settings can be adjusted to limit channel creation to team owners only.
What happens when you delete a channel in Microsoft Teams?
When you delete a channel, you permanently delete all the messages, files, and other data within that channel. The channel will no longer be viewable or searchable within Microsoft Teams.
Can deleted channels in Microsoft Teams be restored?
Yes, a deleted channel can be restored within 30 days of deletion. After 30 days, the channel and its content are permanently deleted and cannot be restored.
What is a Channel Moderator in Microsoft Teams, and what can they do?
A Channel Moderator in Microsoft Teams can control what gets posted in a channel and who can do what within the channel – they have powers to add or remove members, control content, and more.
Can you create a channel in Microsoft Teams without assigning an owner?
No, each channel in Microsoft Teams should have at least one owner who can manage the channel, add or remove members and set channel permissions.
How can you manage channel notifications in Microsoft Teams?
You can manage channel notifications by going to the desired channel > selecting More options > Channel notifications. From there, you can set your preferences for message notifications.
Can you create a channel in a team where you are not an owner or member?
No, you must be an owner or a member of a team to create a channel within that team in Microsoft Teams.
Can you create sub-channels within a channel in Microsoft Teams?
No, Microsoft Teams currently does not support the creation of sub-channels within a channel.
How do you add members to a Private Channel in Microsoft Teams?
To add members to a Private Channel, go to the Private Channel > select More options > Add members. Then, select the members you want to add and select Add.
Can guest users in Microsoft Teams create channels?
No, guest users cannot create channels in Microsoft Teams. Only team owners and members can create channels, unless if the ability to create channels has been restricted to just team owners.
extutorials.com