Go to a conversation

When using Teams on Windows and Mac, you can go to a specific conversation using your keyboard.

  1. Press CTRL+G while anywhere in Teams.

  2. Type the name of the channel or anyone who was in that conversation.

  3. Select the conversation from the list.

Start a conversation

Start a new chat or channel message by using Ctrl+N on Windows or CMD+N on Mac. 

CTRL+G, CTRL+N and CMD+N shortcuts are 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.

Move through conversations

Since conversations in channels are grouped into threads, there are a couple extra shortcuts you can use to navigate in-channel messages.

  • Use your Tab key to go to the conversation list, then use the Up and Down arrows to move from one conversation to the next.

  • Press Enter to select a conversation, and then use the Up and Down arrows again to read a message or reply to the conversation thread.

  • Press Enter to select a message, then use the Tab key to access different actions (like saving or liking a message, or to follow a link).

  • Wanna bail? Just use your Esc key to return to navigating your conversations.

These same commands work in private or one-on-one chats as well. Just remember that those conversations are simply one big thread, so they’ll look different than your channel conversations.

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.