As we’ve all adjusted to a new way of working over the last few months, many of us are using applications we hadn’t used before. For some, they’ve had to adapt how they use certain apps. At ACUTEC, we used Microsoft Teams prior to the pandemic, but it was generally only used for internal communication, and certainly not used to its full potential.
Without video conferencing apps like Teams, remote working would have been far harder for many businesses. But with any application, things may go wrong sometimes. Whether it’s through user error or required updates, here are some common problems in Microsoft Teams and how you can fix them.
Teams Meeting not Showing in Outlook
If you have both Teams and Outlook installed on your computer, you should be able to schedule a Teams meeting from Outlook. Simply go to your calendar, and you should have the option for New Teams Meeting or Meet Now in the ribbon at the top.
If a Teams meeting is not showing in Outlook, ensure that the add-in is installed and enabled. Do this by clicking File > Options > Add-ins. Make sure that Microsoft Teams Meeting Add-in for Microsoft Office is listed in the Active Application Add-ins list. If it is listed in the Disabled Application Add-ins list, select COM Add-ins in Manage and click Go… Set the checkbox next to Microsoft Teams Meeting Add-in for Microsoft Office.
You’ll need to restart Outlook, and then the Teams icon should appear. If not, you may need an administrator to make sure the Outlook add-in meeting policy is applied.
Microsoft Teams not Compatible with iPad
Using Teams on a tablet can be a more convenient way to attend meetings, particularly if your computer is struggling with multiple applications open. To install Teams on an iPad, you need to be running iOS 11.0 or later. If your device doesn’t support iOS 11.0 or later, you won’t be able to use Teams on your iPad.
The 5th generation iPad from 2017 is the oldest to support the required operating system. If you’re using an older device, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer device.
Microsoft Teams not Detecting Camera
Video calls are one of the best features in Teams. And if your camera isn’t working, you’re missing out! If Microsoft Teams is not detecting a camera, here are a few things you should try.
Close all other apps that might be using your camera. Windows 10 will only allow your camera to be used with one application at a time. If you are using an external camera, unplug and plug it back in. The turn it off and on again trick! Check your device permissions in Settings > Permissions and make sure Media is selected.
Then, make a test call (Settings > Devices > Make a test call) to see if the tweaks you’ve made have fixed the issue.
Microsoft Teams not Updating
There could be two meanings to this. If Teams doesn’t have the latest features your colleagues are raving about, click on your photo/initials at the top and select Check for updates. If there are updates available, Teams will install them in the background.
If, however, you are not receiving messages and notifications, the first thing you should do is check your internet connection. Without an internet connection, new messages will not appear. Then, try signing in to Teams through your web browser. If the browser version has updated messages, then try restarting the desktop app to see if it updates.
Microsoft Teams Give Control not Working
On a call, giving someone access to control your screen is fantastic for collaboration. But on some calls, Teams give control doesn’t work. Microsoft’s reason for this is that the device you’re using doesn’t have a graphics processing unit (GPU) installed, or GPU hardware acceleration is disabled. The Give Control drop-down menu doesn’t work unless hardware acceleration is supported on the system.
It may also be caused by the settings of your meeting, particularly if meeting with someone outside your organisation. You may need to check the settings, or ask your administrator to see if there is a policy preventing guests from taking control.
No Sound on Microsoft Teams
There could be any number of causes for having no sound on Microsoft Teams calls. If you’re using an external headset or microphone/headphones, make sure they are properly connected to your device. Try another application and see if they work there, or whether the problem is limited to Teams.
If you have built-in microphone, try that along with your built-in speakers. And you can always try a test call to see if changing any settings has an impact.
When Teams is working the way you want it to, there are few better application for business. If you’re still having difficulties, check out ACUTEC’s Teams training hub for more information.
