How Teams and SharePoint Work Together

Microsoft Teams is more than just chat — it’s also a hub for your files, meetings, and collaboration. Behind the scenes, Teams is tightly connected to SharePoint.

If you've ever uploaded a file to a Teams channel and wondered where it went — this explains it.

Every Team Has a SharePoint Site

When a new Microsoft Team is created, Microsoft 365 automatically creates:

• A SharePoint site (for files)

• A Microsoft 365 Group (for permissions and calendar)

• A OneNote notebook (optional)

All of this happens in the background — no extra setup required.

Where Files Are Stored

Files in a Teams channel:

• Are stored in the connected SharePoint site

• Each channel has its own folder inside the SharePoint document library

• These files are shared with everyone who’s a member of the Team

You can access them:

• From the Files tab in Teams

• Directly in SharePoint

• Or through OneDrive, if a shortcut is added

Files in a Teams chat (1:1 or group):

• Are stored in the sender’s OneDrive

• Shared automatically with the chat participants

• These are not part of a SharePoint site

Why It Matters

• Teams is the interface, SharePoint is the storage

• If you leave a file in a Teams channel, it’s in SharePoint — with proper permissions and structure

• If you send a file in a private chat, it’s in your OneDrive and shared ad hoc

This means:

• Use Channels for shared work that should stay accessible to the team

• Use Chat for quick or temporary file shares

Viewing a File’s SharePoint Location

To view where a file lives in SharePoint:

1. Go to the Files tab in any channel

2. Click Open in SharePoint
   This opens the SharePoint folder behind that channel

What About Permissions?

• Everyone in the Team has access to the connected SharePoint site and its files

• If you need to restrict access further, move the file to a private SharePoint site or OneDrive and share it manually

Summary

Understanding this connection helps you manage files more effectively and avoid permissions issues down the road.

Last updated: July 16, 2025