Powering up the Keyboard in Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams has had / commands before via the search bar. For example these screen shots are from October 2020 and show using the search bar in classic Teams with / and @ commands.

In New Teams the / list is shorter but still contains the ability to start a chat or call, as well as set your status and the @ command still allows me to find people and communicate with them directly.

Screen shot of the / Commands in new Teasm search box, which are primailry setting status and opening Teams apps
Current / commands in the Search box in New Teams

Now in May 2024 and announced as part of the Build 2024 news for Microsoft Teams is the inclusion of / commands in the message compose box which brings new options including starting the recording of a video message.

Screen shot of the actions in the message compose bar including opening chat in a new window, setting status and muting the chat, plus more.
The new / commands in the the message compose box in New Teams

I also really like the integration of the shortcuts reference into this set of commands and this defaults to showing the shortcuts for the message compose bar, afterall that is where we opened it from.

Screenshot of the keyboard shortcuts help for the message compose field including move to chats list with Esc or Ctrl+L and other actions
Keyboard Shortcuts Help dialog

Published by sfennah

I am a freelance learning professional with over 22 years’ experience including holding 30+ Microsoft certifications and Microsoft Certified Trainer status since 2008.

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