How to start a Teams Meeting in 2024

Starting a Microsoft Teams meeting is simple and versatile: you can initiate it from your calendar, a channel, a group chat, or instantly. This guide explains each method, helping you choose the best approach for your needs.

By exploring our guide, you'll learn how to start meetings effortlessly and improve productivity, ensuring important details are captured and organized for future use.

3 Ways To Start A  Microsoft Teams Meeting

Here are three of the easiest ways to start Microsoft Teams Meetings through a channel meeting request, Microsoft Calendar view and in a group chat.

In channel meetings

1. Open Teams: Click on the “Teams” button on the left side of the app.
2. Select your channel: Pick the channel where you want to start the meeting.
3. Start the channel meeting: In the Posts tab, click the “Meet now” button in the top-right corner.
4. Keep context: To start a meeting related to a specific conversation, click “Reply” below any post, then select “Meet now” under the compose box.
5. Join the meeting: Click “Join now” to enter the meeting.

From your calendar tab

        1. Open Microsoft Teams: Click on the “Calendar” button on the left-hand side of the app.

        2. Start a meeting: Select the “Meet now” video call button in the right corner at the top.

        3. Set up the meeting: Change the meeting name as needed. If you want to share the link, click “Get a link to share.”

        4. Adjust settings: If you create a link, click “Configure the meeting options” to tweak your settings.

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        5. Join the meeting: When you’re ready, click “Start” to open the pre-joined screen. Then, select “Join now” to get started, or copy the link to invite people.

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From a group meeting chat

Starting an instant meeting in a Microsoft Teams meeting chat lets you to quickly connect with members without disturbing or accidentally calling others. These meetings also keep messages and recordings neatly in one place.

Here’s how to kick off an instant meeting from a group chat:

1. Open the chat: Start by opening the group chat that you want to start the meeting in.
2. Start the meeting: Click “Meet now” in the top section of the chat.
3. Notify others: Once the meeting starts, other group members will see a notification in the chat list.
4. Join the meeting: They can enter the group chat and click “Join” to participate.
5. View participants: Click the live indicator at the top of the chat to see who’s currently in the meeting.
6. Ring others: To alert others in the chat about the meeting:
   • Click “Ring others to join.”
   • To ring individual chat participants, click their names and click “Ring.”
   • To notify everyone not yet in the meeting, click “Ring all.”
7. Leave the meeting: When you’re done, click “Leave” from your window to exit the meeting.

Tips For Starting Microsoft Teams Meetings

Here are some practical tips for starting a Microsoft Teams meeting:

• Use a scheduling assistant: When select schedule a meeting in Microsoft Teams, take advantage of a scheduling assistant to find the best time that works for everyone. This tool is especially useful when you're sending a Teams invite through Outlook Calendar, as it helps avoid scheduling conflicts in just a few clicks.
• Optimize controls: Once your meeting starts, familiarize yourself with the controls. These options allow you to manage and add participants, share your screen, and access other essential features, ensuring a smooth and productive conference experience.
• Consider a recurring conference call: If you have regular team updates or check-ins, setting up a recurring meeting can save time and ensure consistency. Just select "New invite" from the drop-down menu and adjust the frequency settings to suit your needs.
• Send an invite: When you need to select participants and schedule a meeting, sending out a meeting invite is simple. Use the scheduling form to make sure everyone is available, and your call will be scheduled in no time.

Conclusion

Starting a Microsoft Teams meeting can be done in various ways, whether you’re scheduling it from your calendar, initiating it from a channel or group chat, or starting an instant meeting. Each method ensures you can connect with your team effectively and adapt to new meeting scenarios.

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FAQs

How can I share the meeting link with others?

When you start a meeting from your calendar, you can click “Get a link to share” to obtain a URL. This link can then be copied and pasted into emails or messages to share with other attendees and others. For meetings initiated in a channel or group chat, the meeting link is automatically available to all members of that channel or chat. You can also copy the link from the meeting details if you need to share it outside of Teams.

Can I adjust meeting options before starting a Teams meeting?

Yes, you can adjust meeting options before starting a meeting. When you choose “Get a link to share” from the calendar, you have the option to click “Configure meeting options.” This allows you to modify settings such as meeting controls such as who can present, whether participants can bypass the lobby and other preferences.

What should I do if I encounter issues starting a meeting?

If you encounter issues while starting a new meeting, first check your internet connection to ensure it is stable. Make sure Microsoft Teams is updated to the latest version, as outdated software can cause problems. Verify that you have the necessary permissions to start meetings. If issues persist, try restarting the Teams app or your browser.