Getting Started With Microsoft Teams Bots [Beginner’s Guide]

Last Updated on May 10, 2022

Do you want to use bots in your Microsoft Teams?

Fortunately, installing and using bots in Microsoft Teams isn’t really that complicated. In fact, it’s just like using an app.

In this article, let’s talk about Microsoft Team bots and how to install one in your Teams. I’ll also share a little bit about how to use it.

Let’s get started.

What are bots in Microsoft Teams?

Bots are simply apps in Microsoft Teams that you can interact with via chat. Think of it as using an app but using chat and interactive cards.

Microsoft defines bots like this:

A bot is also referred to as a chatbot or conversational bot. It is an app that runs simple and repetitive tasks by users such as customer service or support staff.

Now, since Teams is already a chat-based collaboration tool, using bots makes more sense in terms of efficiency and workability.

So what can Teams bots do?

Well, there are different bots out there with various purposes. Many apps you will find in Teams also have bots you can install.

But basically, bots help in:

• Automating low-level or repetitive tasks
• Embedding functionality from other apps or sites
• Triggering workflows from conversations

As you explore various bots in the marketplace, you will find that the purpose of each bot revolves in any of these three I mentioned.

How to add a bot in Microsoft Teams

There are two ways to add a bot in Microsoft Teams:

1. Going through the “app” route
2. Through the chat

The first method entails steps similar to adding an app in Teams. Here’s how:

• Click the three dots in the left bar
• Click the “More apps” button

On the next page, you will be able to search for any app or bot that you want to install. You can also search for “bot” to see all bots you can install:

From here, you can then filter out all the bots by “category”.

The second method is fairly easy:

• Go to a channel
• Hop on a one-on-one chat or group chat
• Type @ in the chatbox
• Select “Get bots” from the options

Right away, you will see all the bots you can add to your Teams. All you have to do now is click on the one you want to install.

Personally, I find the second option easier since you only have to type a symbol. The second method also shows you all the bots right away.

Note: If you need a primer on how Microsoft Teams work, check out my Microsoft Teams tutorial article where I discussed all the basics of the app.

How to use a bot in Microsoft Teams

Interacting with bots in Microsoft Teams is quite easy.

To interact with a bot, simply address it in the chatbox with @ + name of the bot + whatever command the bot understands.

For example:

Each bot has different commands available.

Right after installing the bot, it will send a team message to introduce itself to everyone as well as the commands available.

Note: If you have users who aren’t as technically adept as you, it may be worth conducting training or creating a guide on how to use the bot.

Can you make bots in Microsoft Teams?

As a matter of fact, you can actually create a bot that works in Microsoft Teams.

For this, you need any of the tools listed below:

• Microsoft Bot Framework SDK
• Power Virtual Agents
• Virtual Assistant
• Webhooks and connectors

Now, I may not be able to go deeper on how to actually create bots that will work in Microsoft Teams using the tools listed earlier.

However, if this is something that interests you, check out these resources below:

• Quickstart: Create and deploy a bot in Microsoft Teams
• Bots and SDKs – Teams | Microsoft Docs

Besides this, do you have any questions regarding Microsoft Teams bots? If so, kindly leave a comment with your question.

For inquiries and other concerns, please use the site’s contact form to reach out and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.