Microsoft Teams Commands: How to Use Them

Microsoft Teams commands are shortcut strings you type into the search bar at the top of the app to perform actions quickly, like navigating to a specific chat, changing your status, or starting a call. You use them by typing a forward slash (/) followed by a command name and then pressing Enter or selecting the command from the dropdown list. They save time compared to clicking through menus, and they work in the desktop, web, and mobile versions of Teams.

What Are Teams Commands?

Commands in Microsoft Teams are a built-in way to interact with the app using text rather than mouse clicks. They are part of a broader set of search bar features that also include finding people, messages, and files. Commands are distinct from slash commands in chat (like /away or /busy), which change your presence status. The commands discussed here are entered in the command box at the top of the Teams window, often labeled “Search” or “Type a command.”

Microsoft introduced these commands to make common tasks faster. Instead of navigating through the left sidebar to find a specific chat or team, you can type a command and jump directly there. They also help with actions that are otherwise buried in menus, such as setting your status message or viewing your saved messages. While the list of commands is not customizable, it covers the most frequent navigation and management tasks.

How to Access and Use Commands

Using a command is straightforward:

Click on the search/command box at the top of the Teams window (or tap the search icon on mobile).
Type a forward slash (/). A dropdown list of available commands appears.
Continue typing the command name or scroll to select it from the list.
Press Enter or click the command. Some commands require additional input, like a person’s name or a keyword.
If needed, fill in the requested information (e.g., type a name after /chat) and press Enter again.

For example, to start a chat with a colleague, type /chat and then type their name. To see your saved messages, type /saved and press Enter. The command box also works as a regular search bar, so you can search for messages or people without using a slash.

List of Common Commands

Here are some of the most useful commands you’ll encounter (as of recent Teams versions):

/activity – Jump to your activity feed.
/chat – Start a new chat with a person or group. Type a name after the command.
/files – View your recent files.
/help – Open the help menu.
/join – Join a team. Type the team name after the command.
/keys – Show keyboard shortcuts.
/mentions – See messages where you were mentioned.
/org – View the org chart of a person (type a name after the command).
/saved – View your saved messages.
/status – Set a custom status message (e.g., /status On lunch).
/unread – Show your unread activity.
/whatsnew – See what’s new in Teams.

This list is not exhaustive, and Microsoft occasionally adds or removes commands. You can always type / in the command box to see the current list.

Why Use Commands?

The primary benefit is speed. For example, to check your mentions, you’d normally click the Activity icon and then filter by Mentions. With /mentions, you get there instantly. Similarly, jumping to a specific chat by typing /chat and then the person’s name is often faster than scrolling through a long chat list. Commands also reduce mouse usage, which can be helpful for users with repetitive strain issues or those who prefer keyboard-centric workflows.

Another advantage is discoverability. Typing / shows you what’s possible, which can reveal features you didn’t know existed, like /org to view org charts. This makes the command box a useful learning tool for new Teams users.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A frequent issue is confusing the command box with the chat input box. The command box is at the top of the Teams window, not in a chat conversation. Typing / in a chat message will not trigger these commands; it will just send a slash as text (unless you use the separate chat slash commands like /busy).

Another misconception is that all commands work on mobile. While most do, the experience is slightly different. On the mobile app, you tap the search icon and type the command. Some commands like /keys may not be relevant on mobile. Also, commands are case-insensitive, so /Chat and /chat work the same.

If a command doesn’t work, ensure you’re using the correct syntax. For example, /chat requires a name after it; if you press Enter without typing a name, Teams may open a blank chat picker. Also, some commands like /join require the exact team name. If you get no results, check the spelling.

Comparison with Other Shortcuts

Teams also offers keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+E to go to the search box, Ctrl+1 to go to Activity). Commands are complementary to these shortcuts. While keyboard shortcuts navigate the interface, commands perform specific actions. For example, Ctrl+E focuses the search box, but you still need to type /saved to see saved messages. In that sense, commands are more like mini-macros. They are also different from chat slash commands (like /busy or /available) which only affect your presence and are typed in the message box.

Limitations and Future of Commands

Commands are not extensible by users or administrators; you cannot create custom commands. However, Microsoft has been expanding the command list with new features. For example, /whatsnew was added to help users discover updates. The command box also integrates with search, so you can type a person’s name without a slash to see their profile. As Teams evolves, commands may become more context-aware, but as of now, they remain a fixed set of shortcuts.

Another limitation is that commands don’t work in the command line of the desktop app if you’re using a third-party integration that overrides the search bar. In such cases, you might need to disable the integration or use the web version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create my own custom commands in Teams?

No, Microsoft does not allow users or administrators to create custom commands. The list is fixed by Microsoft. However, you can use keyboard shortcuts and third-party apps to achieve similar automation.

Do Teams commands work on the mobile app?

Yes, most commands work on the mobile app. You tap the search icon at the bottom (or top) of the screen, type the command, and select it. Some commands like /keys may not be useful on mobile, but they still appear.

What is the difference between a command and a search?

A command starts with a slash and performs an action (e.g., /saved shows saved messages). A search without a slash looks for people, messages, files, and teams. You can combine them: type a name without a slash to search; type /chat and a name to start a chat.

Why don’t my commands work in a chat message?

Commands like /chat are meant for the top search/command box, not the chat input field. In the chat input, you can use presence commands like /busy or /away, but those are different. Make sure you’re typing in the correct box.

Can I use commands in Microsoft Teams for the web?

Yes, the web version supports the same commands as the desktop app. The command box is located at the top left of the window. The functionality is identical.

How do I see the full list of commands?

Simply type a slash (/) in the command box. A dropdown will show all available commands. You can also type /help to get help, but the dropdown is the quickest way.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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