SharePoint team sites are a core component of Microsoft 365, designed to facilitate collaboration among team members. A SharePoint team site connects you and your team to shared content and resources, allowing you to store and collaborate on files, create and manage lists of information, track project status, organize and co-author shared content, and connect to a Microsoft 365 group for additional tools.

These sites are responsive and accessible from any device, making them essential for modern teamwork. If your goal is broadcasting information to a broader audience, consider using a communication site instead.

What is a SharePoint Team Site?A SharePoint team site is a collaborative workspace within SharePoint in Microsoft 365 (including Small Business editions) where teams can work together on projects. It serves as a central hub for storing files, managing data through lists, and staying updated on progress. When Microsoft 365 Groups are enabled, creating a team site automatically generates a connected group, providing access to integrated resources like Outlook conversations, calendars, Planner tasks, and a shared OneNote notebook. Without this integration, the site focuses purely on SharePoint features.

Key characteristics include:

• Collaboration Focus: Ideal for teams to co-author documents, manage tasks, and share updates internally.

• Group Integration: Links to Microsoft 365 Groups for seamless access to email, calendars, and planning tools.

• Customization: Supports adding lists, libraries, pages, news posts, Planner boards, and apps.

Key Features

• Site Header: Shows the logo, name, privacy status (private or public), and quick-add options for lists, libraries, pages, news, Planner, or apps.

• Search Box: Provides suggestions based on recent activity and full results across the site or all SharePoint.

• Navigation Pane: Links to documents, OneNote, pages, contents, and recycle bin; customizable for additional items.

• Home Page: Features News for posts, Quick Links, activity feeds, and document libraries; editable with draft and republish options.

• Templates: Apply pre-built designs via Settings > Apply a site template for quick setup.

How to Create a Team Site

1. Sign in to Microsoft 365 and go to the SharePoint home page.

2. Click + Create site and select Team site.

3. Enter a Site name, Group email address (if applicable), and Site description.

4. Choose privacy settings (Public or Private).

5. Add owners and members if needed.

6. Click Create site.

   
   

If Microsoft 365 Groups are enabled, this also creates the group. Administrators may need to enable self-service creation.

Permissions and Management

Permissions are handled through Settings > Site Permissions > Add members > Add members to group. Adding users grants full access to the site, group resources, and editing capabilities. Manage site title, description, logo, and info via Settings. For granular control without groups, create a non-group-connected team site.

Integrations

• Microsoft Teams: Displays a channel icon; every Teams channel links to a SharePoint team site.

• Outlook and Calendar: Shared inbox and scheduling through the connected group.

• Planner and OneNote: Built-in tasks and notebooks for organization.

• Document Libraries: For file upload, sharing, moving, and co-editing.

  
  

Best Use Cases

• Project Collaboration: Teams working on joint documents, lists, and timelines.

• File Storage and Sharing: Central repository for team files with version control.

• Task Management: Integrating Planner for tracking progress.

• Internal Knowledge Bases: Building lists and pages for team-specific info.

• Group Workspaces: Connected to Microsoft 365 Groups for email and calendar integration.

  
  

Maintenance Tips

• Schedule regular reviews to update content and permissions.

• Post news frequently and use analytics to monitor engagement.

• Verify links, web parts, and settings periodically.

• Customize with templates and edit in draft mode before republishing.

  
  

For advanced guidance, consult Microsoft's resources on planning, building, and managing sites.