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Microsoft Teams Keyboard Shortcuts (That You Will Actually Use)

by | Jan 31, 2024 | All, microsoft office,tech tips, tech tips, Tech-Tips | 0 comments

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Finding a shortcut that makes your life easier is one of those things that is up there with finding cash in the dryer.

So we thought this Tech Tip would be a special treat for new and old Microsoft Teamsters as we these Teams shortcuts that will make you the new office MVP.

Learn how you can utilize Microsoft’s best shortcuts in Team video chats, messaging, and other day-to-day tasks.

We tested these Microsoft Teams desktop shortcuts, so we know that they work as promised and are easily accessible.

 

These shortcuts will help with  team meetings and video chats

Video Chat Image

Toggle Mute — Ctrl + Shift + M

Why we like it: Being in a remote work scenario means  impromptu meetings or unexpected team meetings that can catch you in the middle of the kids’ playtime or your dog barking at the mail carrier. This shortcut gives you the ability to instantly mute your mic instead of wrangling the mouse to click on the mute button.

Toggle Video — Ctrl + Shift + O

Why we like it: There are always those clients, coworkers, and bosses that want to see your pretty face. This solution will help them get a better view on the fly.

Start Screen Share Session — Ctrl + Shift + E

Why we like it: Sharing your screen is the new way to get everyone on the same page.

Toggle Background Blur — Ctrl + Shift + P

Why we like it: This shortcut is a personal favorite. Choosing your background is now equivalent to deciding on what you are going to wear for the day. This shortcut gives you a quick and simple blurred background for that classic look when you are in a pinch.

Open Settings — Ctrl + , 

Why we like it: Bluetooth headsets, camera bugging out, speaker issues? This shortcut is our go-to when we are troubleshooting mic and speaker issues or have to make a quick change.

 

These are the best shortcuts for messaging in Microsoft Teams

Chat Image

Start A New Chat — Ctrl + N

This hotkey is a lot easier than scrolling through your chats.

Emoji Shortcuts — Type colon (:) then the emoji title (here is a video if you need a demonstration on how to implement Microsoft Teams emoji shortcuts).

Expand Compose Box — Ctrl + Shift + X

Why we like it: This shortcut is useful if you like to format your text frequently. Snagit users might not be able to enjoy this benefit, however, because this is the same hotkey to hide Snagit.

Search Current Chat/Channel Messages — Ctrl + F

Why we like it: This shortcut eliminates having to scroll through a chat or channel for dates or other essential data discussed in a chat or channel.

Attach File — Ctrl + O

Why we like it: It’s simple, and since we are constantly sharing documents, it’s handy.

 

Other useful Teams shortcuts

 

Open Calendar — Ctrl + 4

Why we like it: This is a fantastic shortcut when you are trying to nail down a date with your potential client or coworker.

Schedule A Meeting — Alt + Shift + N

Why we like it: When you combine this shortcut with the Open Calendar hotkey, you are on the path to becoming a Microsoft Office power user.

Show Keyboard Shortcuts — Ctrl + . 

Why we like it: If you don’t have a photographic memory, this will be your most used shortcut until that muscle memory kicks in.

 

Are you looking for a list of keyboard shortcuts for the web app?

Here is where you can find them via Microsoft.

 

Microsoft Teams keyboard shortcuts for Mac

Of course, we can’t leave our beloved Mac users out of the fun, so for our fellow Apple aficionados, here they are.

General

To do this

Mac

Web

Show keyboard shortcuts

Command + Period (.)

Command + Period (.)

Go to Search

Command + E

Command + E

Show commands

Command + Slash (/)

Command + Slash (/)

Goto

Command + G

Command + Shift + G

Start new chat

Command + N

Option + N

Open Settings

Command + Comma (,)

Command + Shift + Comma (,)

Open Help

F1

Command+F1

Close

Esc

Esc

Zoom in

Command + Equals sign (=)

No shortcut

Zoom out

Command + Minus sign (-)

No shortcut

Return to default zoom

Command + 0

No shortcut

 

Navigation

To do this

Mac

Web

Open Activity

Command + 1

Command + Shift + 1

Open Chat

Command + 2

Command + Shift + 2

Open Teams

Command + 3

Command + Shift + 3

Open Calendar

Command + 4

Command + Shift + 4

Open Calls

Command + 5

Command + Shift + 5

Open Files

Command + 6

Command + Shift + 6

Go to previous list item

Left Option + Up arrow key

Left Option + Up arrow key

Go to next list item

Left Option + Down arrow key

Left Option + Down arrow key

Move selected team up

Command + Shift + Up arrow key

No shortcut

Move selected team down

Command + Shift + Down arrow key

No shortcut

Go to the previous section

Command + Shift + F6

Command + Shift + F6

Go to the next section

Command + F6

Command + F6

 

Messaging

To do this

Mac

Web

Go to compose box

Option + Shift + C

Option + Shift + C

Expand compose box

Command + Shift + X

Command + Shift + X

Send (expanded compose box)

Command + Enter

Command + Enter

Attach a file

Command + O

Command + Shift + O

Start a new line

Shift + Enter

Shift + Enter

Reply to thread

Option + Shift + R

Option + Shift + R

 

Meetings and Calls

To do this

Mac

Web

Accept video call

Command + Shift + A

Command + Shift + A

Accept audio call

Command + Shift + S

Command + Shift + S

Decline call

Command + Shift + D

Command + Shift + D

Start audio call

Command + Shift + C

Command + Shift + C

Start video call

Command + Shift + U

Command + Shift + U

Toggle mute

Command + Shift + M

Command + Shift + M

Toggle video

Command + Shift + O

No shortcut

Toggle fullscreen

Command + Shift + F

Command + Shift + F

Go to sharing toolbar

Command + Shift + Space

Command + Shift + Space

 

Written by

Frank

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