This article is for people who use a screen reader program such as Windows Narrator, JAWS, or NVDA with Windows tools or features and Microsoft 365 products. This article is part of the Accessibility help & learning content set where you can find more accessibility information on our apps. For general help, visit Microsoft Support.
The new chats and channels experience in Microsoft Teams streamlines collaboration for screen reader and keyboard users with an accessible interface, improved filtering, and flexible view options.
This article covers basic tasks in the new chats and channels experience, including creating new messages, customizing views, setting filters, and more in Microsoft Teams on Windows.
Notes:
-
The New message feature in Teams is available as part of the public preview program and might undergo further changes before being released publicly. To get access to this and other upcoming features, switch to Teams public preview.
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To learn more about screen readers, go to How screen readers work with Microsoft 365.
In this topic
Switch between combined and separate list views
You can choose between a combined list view, which shows all chats and channels in one list, and a separate list view, which divides chats and channels into different apps on the app bar.
For more information, go to “Navigate the combined and separate list views” topic in Use a screen reader to navigate and explore the new chats and channels experience in Microsoft Teams.
Note: By default, Teams will show chats and channels in the combined list view.
Create a new message
Creating a new message is now easier than ever with updated keyboard shortcuts and options. You can quickly compose and send messages to individuals, groups, or entire teams, helping you share updates and stay connected.
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Press Ctrl+N to open a new chat window.
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Alternatively, press the Tab key until you hear “More list options button,” then use Up or Down arrow key to select New message button, and press Enter.
-
-
Type the desired name, email, group, team channel, or tag in the search bar and press Enter.
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Press the Tab key until you hear “Type a message,” then start typing your message and press Enter to send.
Create custom sections
You can organize related chats and channels into custom sections, making it easier to track important conversations. Custom sections let you group chats and channels by topic, project, or preference for quick access. This can be done in both the combined and separate list views.
-
Press the Tab key until you hear “More list options button,” then use Up or Down arrow key to select the New items button and press Enter.
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Press the Up or Down arrow key until you hear “New section menu item,” then press Enter.
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Type the name of your section, then navigate to the Create button using the Tab key, and press Enter.
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Navigate to the chat or channel you want to add to the new section, open the More options menu, and select Move to menu item. Then, choose the desired section name from the list.
-
Alternatively, Press Shift+F10 to open the context menu, then use the Up or Down arrow key to navigate to the Move to menu item and press Enter.
Note: You can also rename or remove custom sections to keep your list organized.
-
Sort sections
Organize your chats and channels to keep important conversations accessible by adjusting the sort order in each section. The sorting options are:
-
Customized: This option arranges chats and channels manually in your preferred order. This is the default sort for Favorites and custom sections.
-
Most Recent: This option displays chats and channels based on the latest activity, with the most recently updated items at the top.
-
Unread Only: This option displays only unread messages, keeping the list compact and focused on new activity.
Steps to sort a section
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To sort, navigate to the desired section and press the Tab key until you hear “More options button,” then press Enter.
-
Use the Up or Down arrow key to select a sorting option and press Enter to apply the selected sort order.
Tip: For an optimized view, Unread only mode will keep the list compact by displaying only unread items.
Apply filters
Use filters to focus on specific conversations within your chat or channel list. By default, filters like Unread, Chats, Meetings, and Unmuted are available in the Chat app, and the Unread filter is available in the Channels app. You can select multiple filters to refine your results further.
For more information, go to “An overview of key changes” topic in Use a screen reader to navigate and explore the new chats and channels experience in Microsoft Teams.
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Press the Tab key until you hear “Filter options toolbar,” then press Enter.
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Use the arrow keys to select a filter, such as Unread or Unmuted, then press Enter to apply. To find more filters, navigate to More filters button and press Enter. Alternatively, use the following shortcuts to directly apply the filters:
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To filter and view unread items, press Ctrl+Alt+U.
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To display unmuted items, press Ctrl+Alt+Q.
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To view all meetings, press Ctrl+Alt+B.
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To show all chat items, press Ctrl+Alt+C.
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To display all channel items, press Ctrl+Alt+A.
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To search for a specific chat, channel, or person by name, press Ctrl+Shift+F.
Note: The selected filters remain active even if you exit the list, allowing you to pick up where you left off. For more keyboard shortcuts, refer to Keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Teams,
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To remove a filter, press the Tab key until you hear the active filter name and press Enter again.
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Alternatively, you can clear all filters in your list view by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+Z.
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This article covers basic tasks in the new chats and channels experience, including creating new messages, customizing views, setting filters, and more in Microsoft Teams on macOS.
Notes:
-
The New message feature in Teams is available as part of the public preview program and might undergo further changes before being released publicly. To get access to this and other upcoming features, switch to Teams public preview.
-
To learn more about screen readers, go to How screen readers work with Microsoft 365.
In this topic
Switch between combined and separate list views
You can choose between a combined list view, which shows all chats and channels in one list, and a separate list view, which divides chats and channels into different apps on the app bar.
For more information, go to “Navigate the combined and separate list views” topic in Use a screen reader to navigate and explore the new chats and channels experience in Microsoft Teams.
Note: By default, Teams will show chats and channels in the combined list view.
Create a new message
Creating a new message is now easier than ever with updated keyboard shortcuts and options. You can quickly compose and send messages to individuals, groups, or entire teams, helping you share updates and stay connected.
-
Press Ctrl+N to open a new chat window.
-
Alternatively, press the Tab key until you hear “More list option button,” then use the Up or Down arrow key to select New message button,” and press Return.
-
-
Type the desired name, email, group, team channel, or tag in the search bar and press Return.
-
Press the Tab key until you hear “Type a message,” then start typing your message and press Return to send.
Create custom sections
You can organize related chats and channels into custom sections, making it easier to track important conversations. Custom sections let you group chats and channels by topic, project, or preference for quick access. This can be done in both the combined and separate list views.
-
Press the Tab key until you hear “More list options button,” then use arrow keys to select the New items button and press Return.
-
Press the Up or Down arrow key until you hear “New section menu item,” then press Return.
-
Type the name of your section, then navigate to the Create button using the Tab key, and press Enter.
-
Navigate to the chat or channel you want to add to the new section, open the More options menu, and select Move to menu item. Then, choose the desired section name from the list.
-
Alternatively, Press Shift+F10 to open the context menu, then use the Up or Down arrow key to navigate to the Move to menu item and press Enter.
-
Note: You can also rename or remove custom sections to keep your list organized.
Sort sections
Organize your chats and channels to keep important conversations accessible by adjusting the sort order in each section. The sorting options are:
-
Customized: This option arranges chats and channels manually in your preferred order. This is the default sort for Favorites and custom sections.
-
Most Recent: This option displays chats and channels based on the latest activity, with the most recently updated items at the top.
-
Unread Only: This option displays only unread messages, keeping the list compact and focused on new activity.
Steps to sort a section
-
To sort, navigate to the desired section and press the Tab key until you hear “More options button,” then press Return.
-
Use the Up or Down arrow key to select a sorting option and press Return to apply the selected sort order.
Tip: For an optimized view, Unread only mode will keep the list compact by displaying only unread items.
Apply filters
Use filters to focus on specific conversations within your chat or channel list. By default, filters like Unread, Chats, Meetings, and Unmuted are available in the Chat app, and the Unread filter is available in the Channels app. You can select multiple filters to refine your results further.
For more information, go to “An overview of key changes” topic in Use a screen reader to navigate and explore the new chats and channels experience in Microsoft Teams.
-
Press the Tab key until you hear “Filter options toolbar,” then press Enter.
-
Use the arrow keys to select a filter, such as Unread or Unmuted, then press Enter to apply. To find more filters, navigate to More filters and press Enter.
Alternatively, use the following shortcuts to directly apply the filters:
-
To filter and view unread items, press Opt+Cmd+U.
-
To display unmuted items, press Opt+Cmd+Q.
-
To view all meetings, press Opt+Cmd+T.
-
To show all chat items, press Opt+Cmd+C.
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To display all channel items, press Opt+Cmd+A.
-
To search for a specific chat, channel, or person by name, press Cmd+Shift+F.
Note: The selected filters remain active even if you exit the list, allowing you to pick up where you left off. For more keyboard shortcuts, refer to Keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Teams.
-
-
To remove a filter, press the Tab key until you hear the active filter name and press Return again.
-
Alternatively, you can clear all filters in your list view by using the keyboard shortcut Opt+Cmd+Z.
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This article covers basic tasks in the new chats and channels experience, including creating new messages, customizing views, setting filters, and more in Microsoft Teams on your iOS device.
Notes:
-
This topic assumes that you are using the built-in iOS screen reader, VoiceOver. To learn more about using VoiceOver, go to iOS accessibility.
-
This topic assumes you are using this app with an iOS phone. Some navigation and gestures might be different for an iPad.
In this topic
Switch between combined and separate list views
You can choose between a combined list view, which shows all chats and channels in one list, and a separate list view, which divides chats and channels into different apps on the app bar.
-
Flick left or right until you hear the “More menu button,” then double-tap to activate it.
-
Flick right until you hear “New chats & Channels experience button,” then double-tap to activate it.
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Flick right to select the Combined switch, and double-tap to activate the combined view.
-
To switch to the separate view, double-tap again on the Combined switch.
For more information, go to Navigate the combined and separate lists” topic in “Use a screen reader to navigate and explore the new chats and channels experience in Microsoft Teams.
Create a new message
Creating a new message is now easier than ever with updated keyboard shortcuts and options. You can quickly compose and send messages to individuals, groups, or entire teams, helping you share updates and stay connected.
-
Flick left or right until you hear “New chat button,” then double-tap to start a new chat.
-
Type the name, email, group, or tag in the search bar and double-tap.
-
Flick right until you hear "Type a message," then type your message.
-
Flick right to the Send button and double-tap to send.
Create custom sections
You can organize related chats and channels into custom sections, making it easier to track important conversations. Custom sections let you group chats and channels by topic, project, or preference for quick access. This can be done in both the combined and separate list views.
-
In the Chats or Channels list, flick left or right to find the desired contact and double-tap to open it.
-
Flick left or right until you hear “Profile or Channel name,” then double-tap to activate it.
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Flick left or right until you hear “Move to button,” then double-tap to activate it.
-
Flick right to select the New section button and double-tap to create a section.
-
Type a name for your new section, then flick to the Done button and double-tap to save it.
Sort sections
Organize your chats and channels to keep important conversations accessible by adjusting the sort order in each section. The sorting options are:
-
Customized: This option arranges chats and channels manually in your preferred order. This is the default sort for Favorites and custom sections.
-
By recency: This option displays chats and channels based on the latest activity, with the most recently updated items at the top.
Steps to sort a section
-
Flick to the desired section and double-tap when you hear “More options button.”
-
Flick left or right to select a sorting option and press Enter to apply the selected sort order.
Apply filters
Apply filters to focus on specific conversations within the Chat or Channels app. Access filters like Unread, Mentions, Chats, Channels, Meetings, and Muted through the Filters menu. You can select multiple filters to refine your results further.
For more information, go to “An overview of key changes” topic in Use a screen reader to navigate and explore the new chats and channels experience in Microsoft Teams.
-
Flick left or right until you hear filter options such as “Unread, Meetings, Chats, etc,” then double-tap to apply. To find more filters, flick right until you hear “More button,” and double-tap to find all the filters.
Note: The selected filters remain active even if you exit the list, allowing you resume from where you left off.
-
To remove the filter, flick left or right until you hear the active filter name and double-tap to deactivate.
This article covers basic tasks in the new chats and channels experience, including creating new messages, customizing views, setting filters, and more in Microsoft Teams on your android device.
Notes:
-
This topic assumes that you're using the built-in Android screen reader, Talkback. To learn more about using TalkBack, go to Android accessibility.
-
This topic assumes you're using this app with an Android phone. Some navigation and gestures might be different for an Android tablet.
In this topic
Switch between combined and separate list views
You can choose between a combined list view, which shows all chats and channels in one list, and a separate list view, which divides chats and channels into different apps on the app bar.
-
Flick left or right until you hear the “More menu button,” then double-tap to activate it.
-
Flick right until you hear “Customize view,” then double-tap to activate it.
-
Flick right to select the Combined switch, and double-tap to activate the combined view.
-
To switch to the separate view, double-tap again on the Combined switch.
For more information, go to Use a screen reader to navigate and explore the new chats and channels experience in Microsoft Teams.
Create a new message
Creating a new message is now easier than ever with updated keyboard shortcuts and options. You can quickly compose and send messages to individuals, groups, or entire teams, helping you share updates and stay connected.
-
Flick left or right until you hear “New conversation button,” then double-tap to create a new message.
-
Type the name, email, group, team channel or tag in the search bar and double-tap.
-
Flick left or right until you hear "Type a message," then type your message.
-
Flick right to the Send button and double-tap to send.
Create custom sections
You can organize related chats and channels into custom sections, making it easier to track important conversations. Custom sections let you group chats and channels by topic, project, or preference for quick access. This can be done in both the combined and separate list views.
-
In the Chats or Channels list, flick left or right to find the desired contact and double-tap to open it.
-
Flick left or right until you hear “Chat details button,” then double-tap to activate it.
-
Flick left or right until you hear “Move to button,” then double-tap to activate it.
-
Flick right to select the New section button and double-tap to create a section.
-
Type a name for your new section, then flick to the Done button and double tap to save it.
Sort sections
Organize your chats and channels to keep important conversations accessible by adjusting the sort order in each section. The sorting options are:
-
Customized: This feature arranges chats and channels manually in your preferred order. This is the default sort for Favorites and custom sections.
-
By recency: This feature displays chats and channels based on the latest activity, with the most recently updated items at the top.
Steps to sort a section
-
Flick to the desired section and double-tap when you hear “More options button.”
-
Flick left or right to select a sorting option and press Enter to apply the selected sort order.
Apply filters
Apply filters to focus on specific conversations within the Chat or Channels app. Access filters like Unread, Mentions, Chats, Channels, Meetings, and Muted through the Filters menu. You can select multiple filters to refine your results further.
For more information, go to “An overview of key changes” topic in Use a screen reader to navigate and explore the new chats and channels experience in Microsoft Teams.
-
Flick left or right until you hear filter options such as “Unread, Meetings, Chats, etc,” then double-tap to apply. To find more filters, flick right until you hear “More button,” and double-tap to find all the filters.
Note: The selected filters remain active even if you exit the list, allowing you resume from where you left off.
-
To remove the filter, flick left or right until you hear the active filter name and double-tap to deactivate.
This article covers basic tasks in the new chats and channels experience, including creating new messages, customizing views, setting filters, and more in Microsoft Teams on Web.
Notes:
-
The New message feature in Teams is available as part of the public preview program and might undergo further changes before being released publicly. To get access to this and other upcoming features, switch to Teams public preview.
-
To learn more about screen readers, go to How screen readers work with Microsoft 365.
In this topic
Switch between combined and separate list views
You can choose between a combined list view, which shows all chats and channels in one list, and a separate list view, which divides chats and channels into different apps on the app bar.
For more information, go to “Navigate the combined and separate list views” topic in Use a screen reader to navigate and explore the new chats and channels experience in Microsoft Teams.
Note: By default, Teams will show chats and channels in the combined list view.
Create a new message
Creating a new message is now easier than ever with updated keyboard shortcuts and options. You can quickly compose and send messages to individuals, groups, or entire teams, helping you share updates and stay connected.
-
Press Ctrl+N to open a new chat window.
-
Alternatively, press the Tab key until you hear “More list option button,” then use Up or Down arrow key to select New message button,” and press Enter.
-
-
Type the desired name, email, group, team channel, or tag in the search bar and press Enter.
-
Press the Tab key until you hear “Type a message,” then start typing your message and press Enter to send.
Create custom sections
You can organize related chats and channels into custom sections, making it easier to track important conversations. Custom sections let you group chats and channels by topic, project, or preference for quick access. This can be done in both the combined and separate list views.
-
Press the Tab key until you hear “More list options button,” then use arrow keys to select the New items button and press Enter.
-
Press the Up or Down arrow key until you hear “New section menu item,” then press Enter.
-
Type the name of your section, then navigate to the Create button using the Tab key, and press Enter.
-
Navigate to the chat or channel you want to add to the new section, open the More options menu, and select Move to menu item. Then, choose the desired section name from the list.
-
Alternatively, Press Shift+F10 to open the context menu, then use the Up or Down arrow key to navigate to the Move to menu item and press Enter.
Note: You can also rename or remove custom sections to keep your list organized.
Sort sections
Organize your chats and channels to keep important conversations accessible by adjusting the sort order in each section. The sorting options are:
-
Customized: This option arranges chats and channels manually in your preferred order. This is the default sort for Favorites and custom sections.
-
Most Recent: This option displays chats and channels based on the latest activity, with the most recently updated items at the top.
-
Unread Only: This option displays only unread messages, keeping the list compact and focused on new activity.
Steps to sort a section
-
To sort, navigate to the desired section and press the Tab key until you hear “More options button,” then press Enter.
-
Use the Up or Down arrow key to select a sorting option and press Enter to apply the selected sort order.
Tip: For an optimized view, Unread only mode will keep the list compact by displaying only unread items.
Apply filters
Use filters to focus on specific conversations within your chat or channel list. By default, filters like Unread, Chats, Meetings, and Unmuted are available in the Chat app, and the Unread filter is available in the Channels app. You can select multiple filters to refine your results further.
For more information, go to “An overview of key changes topic” in Use a screen reader to navigate and explore the new chats and channels experience in Microsoft Teams.
-
Press the Tab key until you hear “Filter options toolbar,” then press Enter.
-
Use the arrow keys to select a filter, such as Unread or Unmuted, then press Enter to apply.
Alternatively, use the following shortcuts to directly apply the filters:
-
To filter and view unread items, press Ctrl+Alt+U.
-
To display unmuted items, press Ctrl+Alt+Q.
-
To view all meetings, press Ctrl+Alt+B.
-
To show all chat items, press Ctrl+Alt+C.
-
To display all activity items, press Ctrl+Alt+A.
-
To search for a specific chat, channel, or person by name, press Ctrl+Shift+F.
Note: The selected filters remain active even if you exit the list, allowing you to pick up where you left off. For more keyboard shortcuts, refer to Keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Teams.
-
-
To remove a filter, press the Tab key until you hear the active filter name and press Enter again.
-
Alternatively, you can clear all filters in your list view by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+Z.
See also
Use a screen reader to chat in Microsoft Teams
Use a screen reader to search for a conversation, person, or file in Microsoft Teams
Technical support for customers with disabilities
Microsoft wants to provide the best possible experience for all our customers. If you have a disability or questions related to accessibility, please contact the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk for technical assistance. The Disability Answer Desk support team is trained in using many popular assistive technologies and can offer assistance in English, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language. Please go to the Microsoft Disability Answer Desk site to find out the contact details for your region.
If you are a government, commercial, or enterprise user, please contact the enterprise Disability Answer Desk.
