Easy Tech TutsHow to Start a Microsoft Teams Meeting Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Whether you need to jump on a call right now or plan a meeting for later, Teams gives you two clear paths to get a session running. This guide covers launching an ad-hoc meeting instantly and scheduling one through the calendar, plus configuring your camera and mic before you join.
01Open the Calendar panel
Click the Calendar section in the left-hand navigation to access both instant and scheduled meeting options.
02Start an instant meeting
Click Meet Now to launch a session immediately, then choose whether to start right away or copy the link to share first.
03Schedule a future meeting
Click New Meeting to open the event form, then fill in a title, attendee emails, and a specific time range.
04Notify a channel
Select specific team channels if you want the meeting link automatically broadcast to all channel members.
05Check your camera and mic before joining
On the pre-join screen, turn on your webcam, verify your microphone, and adjust background settings before clicking Join Now.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Meet Now and New Meeting?
Meet Now launches an instant session immediately, while New Meeting opens the full scheduling form for a future date and time.
Can I invite people who aren't in my organization?
Yes, you can add external attendee email addresses directly in the meeting scheduling form.
Do I have to turn my camera on to start a meeting?
No, the pre-join screen lets you toggle your camera off before joining if you'd rather start audio-only.
Can I check my audio before the meeting starts?
Yes, the pre-join landing screen includes device checks for both your microphone and camera.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
