Microsoft Teams: Overview and Quick Start

Microsoft Teams is TRU’s platform for chat, meetings, and file sharing. It integrates with Microsoft 365 apps such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and SharePoint so you can collaborate in real time from any device.

• Desktop app: Download Microsoft Teams for Windows or macOS
• Web app: Use Teams online
• Mobile app:
  • Teams on iOS (App Store)
  • Teams on Android (Google Play)

Teams works on any modern device. The desktop version offers the most complete feature set.

1. Open the Teams app or go to the Teams web portal.
2. Enter your TRU login:
   • Employees: username@tru.ca (example: jsmith@tru.ca)
   • Students: TRU ID@mytru.ca (example: T00123456@mytru.ca)
3. If you are off campus or on Wi-Fi, you may be prompted to complete Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
   If MFA is not yet set up, follow How do I setup Microsoft Authenticator (MFA)?

• Any TRU user can create a Team. Choose Private for most groups.
• Recommended course naming: Course code and section + semester (example: ENGL 1000 S1 Winter 2026).
• To join an existing Team, ask a Team owner to add you.
• Microsoft guide: Create a team from scratch in Microsoft Teams

• Use channels to organize topics or projects.
• Start a post with New conversation.
• Start private or group messages with New chat.
• Microsoft guide: Chat in Microsoft Teams

Each Team stores files in SharePoint. Open the channel’s Files tab and select Open in SharePoint to view or edit documents.

Microsoft guide: Work with files in Teams

1. Open the Team menu and select Add member.
2. Enter the guest’s email address and choose Add as a guest.
3. The guest will receive an email invitation to join.

Microsoft guide: Add guests to your team in Microsoft Teams

Select your Profile picture or More options (…) to change your theme, manage notifications, or set audio and camera devices.

Microsoft guide: Manage settings in Microsoft Teams

Right-click a channel and select Pin to keep it at the top of your list.

Microsoft guide: Pin or unpin a channel in Teams

• Microsoft Teams video training
• Teams Mobile App overview
• LinkedIn Learning – Microsoft Teams Essential Training
• LinkedIn Learning – Microsoft Teams for Education

• Check your login format (employee or student).
• Restart Teams and verify your Internet connection.
• Complete MFA when prompted, especially off campus or on Wi-Fi.
• Set up or re-register your MFA method: How do I setup Microsoft Authenticator (MFA)?
• See Microsoft help: Fix common Microsoft Teams issues