Tutorial / Cram Notes
Creating a successful team in Microsoft Teams can be a streamlined process, whether you start from a default template or a custom template. Both methods provide a foundation that can be built upon to match the exact needs of your organization. When planning and managing Microsoft Teams as part of the requirements for the MS-700 exam, understanding how to effectively create a team with templates is essential.
Creating a Team from a Default Template
Default templates in Microsoft Teams are pre-built structures designed to address specific business needs or project types, such as managing an event or coordinating a response team. Each default template comes with pre-configured channels, tabs, and apps designed to facilitate communication and collaboration for the team’s intended purpose.
To create a team from a default template:
- Click on the “Teams” option on the left side of the app, then select “Join or create a team” at the bottom of your teams list.
- Choose “Create team” to start a new team.
- Select “From a template” to view the list of available templates.
- Browse through the template options, such as “Manage a project”, “Adopt Office 365”, “Organize a store”, and so on.
- After selecting a template, you will be asked to name your team, add a description, and customize privacy settings.
- Once completed, click “Create” to establish your new team with the chosen template’s predefined settings.
The team that you create will have set channels, tabs, and apps as defined in the template, but you can further customize them after creation as needed.
Creating a Team from a Custom Template
Custom templates, on the other hand, allow organizations to tailor the team creation process even further, aligning it with internal processes, workflow, and culture. This requires you to first create a custom template which can be based on an existing team that has been optimized for a particular project or departmental needs.
To create a team from a custom template:
- Create your custom template by using PowerShell commands to base it on an existing team’s configuration or create a template from scratch with predefined channels, tabs, apps, and settings.
- Once the template is created and available, navigate to “Teams” and select “Join or create a team” at the bottom.
- Click on “Create team”, followed by “From a template”.
- Go to the “From your organization” tab to see custom templates available.
- Select your custom template, provide the necessary information like team name, description, and privacy settings.
- Click “Create” to establish the new team based on your custom template.
With a custom template, organizations have the ability to standardize aspects like naming conventions, channel structures, and pinned applications, ensuring consistency across teams.
Comparison Between Default and Custom Templates
| Aspect | Default Template | Custom Template |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Built for general scenarios, designed by Microsoft. | Tailored to specific organizational needs. |
| Customization | Limited customization after creation. | Highly customizable, tailored prior to creation. |
| Creation Process | Simple, guided through Microsoft Teams UI. | Requires setup via PowerShell or admin center. |
| Channels & Tabs | Preconfigured based on the template scenario. | Predefined according to organizational standards. |
| Apps | Standard apps included based on the template theme. | Custom selection of apps required by the org. |
| Maintenance | Managed by Microsoft, updated according to the product. | Managed internally by the organization. |
| Availability | Available out-of-the-box in Teams. | Requires initial creation by the organization. |
| Reusability | Can be reused by anyone in the organization. | Customized for reuse according to organizational policies. |
In conclusion, creating a team from a default or custom template in Microsoft Teams is a critical skill for MS-700 candidates. Default templates provide a quick and easy starting point for standard business scenarios, while custom templates offer a more personalized approach aligned with specific organizational requirements. Understanding how to leverage both types of templates is key to effectively managing and scaling the use of Microsoft Teams in a corporate environment.
Practice Test with Explanation
True or False: You can create a new team based on an existing team’s structure and settings.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: You can create a new team based on an existing team, which includes the structure and settings of the original team.
What can you NOT copy from one team to another when using a team as a template?
- Channels
- Members
- Tabs
- Settings
Answer: Members
Explanation: Creating a team from a template does not copy the members from the source team; it only includes the structure and settings such as channels and tabs.
When creating a new team from a template, what can you customize in the process?
- Team name
- Description
- Privacy settings
- All of the above
Answer: All of the above
Explanation: When creating a new team from a template, you can customize the team name, description, and privacy settings.
True or False: Microsoft Teams does not provide any default templates for creating new teams.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Microsoft Teams provides several default templates for creating new teams, catering to different functions like projects, events, and more.
Which option below is NOT one of the predefined templates in Microsoft Teams?
- Retail management
- Manage a project
- Classroom education
- Cooking club
Answer: Cooking club
Explanation: Microsoft Teams offers various predefined templates for professional and educational purposes, but “Cooking club” is not one of them.
True or False: Using a custom template in Microsoft Teams, you can pre-define a team’s channel structure but not the apps that are added to the team.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: A custom template in Microsoft Teams allows you to pre-define not only a team’s channel structure but also the apps that are added to the team.
When using a team template, which of the following settings is copied to the new team?
- A. Team picture
- B. Content in team channels
- C. Team apps
- D. Pinned posts
Answer: C. Team apps
Explanation: When using a team template, app setups are copied to the new team. However, specific content like messages or team pictures are not copied.
True or False: When creating a team from a template, you can use PowerShell to script the creation process.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: PowerShell can be used to automate the creation of teams, including those based on templates, providing granular control over the process.
Microsoft Teams allows you to use which of the following methods to create custom team templates?
- Admin center
- PowerShell
- Microsoft Teams client
- A and B
Answer: D. A and B
Explanation: You can create custom team templates through the Microsoft Teams admin center and by using PowerShell, but not directly through the Teams client.
Which of the following is required to create a team from a template?
- Team owner permissions
- Microsoft Teams license
- Global administrator or Teams service administrator role
- All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: To create a team from a template, you typically need to have team owner permissions, a Microsoft Teams license, and appropriate administrator roles.
True or False: Each team created from a template must have a unique name within the tenant.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Each team must have a unique name to avoid confusion and ensure proper identification within the Microsoft Teams tenant.
When you create a team from a default template, which of the following types of channels are generated?
- Standard channels
- Private channels
- Shared channels
- A and B
Answer: A and B
Explanation: Default templates in Microsoft Teams can include both standard and private channels set up within the template, but shared channels need to be added manually.
Interview Questions
What are Microsoft Teams templates?
Microsoft Teams templates are pre-configured team structures that include channels, tabs, and apps designed for specific use cases, such as sales, marketing, or education.
How can I create a team from a default template?
To create a team from a default template, open the Teams app, click “Join or create a team,” select “Create a team,” and choose the appropriate template for your team.
How can I create a custom template for my organization in Microsoft Teams?
To create a custom template for your organization in Microsoft Teams, open the Teams admin center, select “Manage teams,” and then choose “Templates.” Click “New template” and choose the appropriate settings for your template, such as team name, channels, tabs, and apps.
Can I customize a default template in Microsoft Teams?
No, default templates in Microsoft Teams cannot be customized. However, you can create a custom template that includes the settings and features you need.
What are the benefits of using Microsoft Teams templates?
The benefits of using Microsoft Teams templates include saving time, ensuring that your team has the appropriate channels, tabs, and apps, and promoting consistent team structures across your organization.
What are policies for templates in Microsoft Teams?
Policies for templates in Microsoft Teams are configurations that control the features and settings available to teams created from the template.
How can I create policies for templates in Microsoft Teams?
To create policies for templates in Microsoft Teams, open the Teams admin center, select “Teams policies,” and then choose “New policy.” Choose the appropriate settings for your policy, such as privacy settings or app availability, and then click “Save.”
What is the purpose of assigning a policy to a template in Microsoft Teams?
Assigning a policy to a template in Microsoft Teams ensures that all teams created from the template have the appropriate settings and features.
How can I manage templates and policies in Microsoft Teams?
To manage templates and policies in Microsoft Teams, use the Teams admin center to create, edit, and assign templates and policies as needed.
Can I delete a custom template in Microsoft Teams?
Yes, you can delete a custom template in Microsoft Teams by opening the Teams admin center, selecting “Manage teams,” choosing “Templates,” and then clicking “Delete” next to the template you want to delete.
What are the types of default templates available in Microsoft Teams?
The types of default templates available in Microsoft Teams include standard, education, and healthcare templates.
What is a standard template in Microsoft Teams?
A standard template in Microsoft Teams is a default template that includes a general team structure with channels and apps that are appropriate for most teams.
How can I choose a custom image for my team created from a template?
To choose a custom image for your team created from a template, open the Teams app, select the team, click “More options,” and then choose “Edit team.” Click “Change picture” and choose the appropriate image for your team.
Can I create a new template from an existing team in Microsoft Teams?
No, it is not possible to create a new template from an existing team in Microsoft Teams.
How can templates and policies in Microsoft Teams help ensure consistency across an organization?
Templates and policies in Microsoft Teams can help ensure consistency across an organization by promoting the use of standardized team structures and settings.
I found the default team templates very useful for quick setups. Anyone using custom templates?
Can someone explain the difference between default and custom templates in MS Teams?
How difficult is it to create a custom template?
Thanks for the blog post!
Custom templates have been a game changer for our IT department!
I tried creating a custom template, but it didn’t apply correctly. Anyone else face this issue?
Can I add third-party apps to a custom template?
Appreciate the detailed information in the post!