What are threads?

  • A thread is a focused conversation under one message.
  • Replies stay grouped.
  • The main channel shows the top message for each thread to keep things tidy.

Set up a channel with Threads

  • New channel: New items → New channel, choose Layout: Threads.
  • Change later: Hover the channel → More options → Edit channel → switch between Threads and Posts.
  • Permissions: Team owners can create/edit channels; team settings control member rights.
  • Flexible membership: Consider a Shared channel.

Start and reply in a thread

  • Start: Type in the channel and press Enter.
  • Need a title or longer text? Click Format. In Format mode, Enter adds a line; click Send to post.
  • Reply: Hover a message → Reply in thread. A side panel opens.

Post to the thread and the channel

When you have an update or decision everyone should see, choose Send to thread and channel. The summary appears in the main channel; the back-and-forth stays in the thread.

Follow threads (and where to find them)

Automatic follow happens if:

  • The thread starts from your message
  • You reply in the thread
  • You are @mentioned

Follow manually from the thread or message actions (… → Follow thread). You can also follow a single message before replies start.

See your followed threads: open Followed Threads (has an Unread filter).

  • If Teams shows Chats and Channels together, it’s at the top of that list.
  • If they’re separate, it’s at the top of the Teams list.
  • Unfollow here to reduce noise.

Settings

  • Global rule: Notifications and activity → Chats and channels → Automatically follow threads in channels.
  • All threads in one channel: Hover channel → … → Channel notifications → Follow all new threads.

Notifications

  • Activity feed for followed threads: Notifications and activity → Replies to followed threads and posts → Show in Activity.
  • All new messages in a channel: Hover channel → … → Channel notifications → Notify me for all new messages (tick Include thread replies if needed).

Catch up on threads

  • All threads in this channel: Click Open threads near the channel title. Unread threads are bold.
  • One thread summary (Copilot): Hover the thread → … → Summarize thread. The summary shows in the side panel (only you see it).

Meetings in channels

  • Scheduled channel meeting: Creates its own meeting thread.
  • Add Required attendees so it appears on Outlook calendars.
  • To add a channel meeting to your calendar: open it → … → Add to calendar.
  • Meet now: Starts an instant meeting; it creates a separate thread.
  • Meeting states: Scheduled → In progress → Recap available. The meeting object stays linked to the latest system message and moves up when there’s new info.

If some people can’t use Threads

They see a Posts-like view with a banner. This can cause out-of-order messages, different bolding rules (Threads bolds new top messages; Posts bolds posts and replies), and notification differences. To align everyone, switch the channel to Posts via Edit channel.

Tips

  • Headline in the channel, details in the thread.
  • Keep threads on one topic.
  • Use emoji to acknowledge or show status.
  • Put decisions in a thread reply and Send to thread and channel.
  • Try Compact mode for a denser view (Settings → Chats and channels → Message density).

FAQ

How do I stay on top of work?
Follow key threads, check Followed Threads, and tune your Notifications.

Threads or Posts?
Use Threads for everyday teamwork and quick decisions. Use Posts for announcements. You can switch anytime.

Threads or group chat?
Channels keep files, search, and permissions together—better for ongoing work.

Someone replied outside the thread—what now?
Ask them to reply in the thread. If you posted outside the thread, copy it into the thread and delete the stray post.