Create Teams Channels Using Teams Admin Center

Channels are where real collaboration happens inside Microsoft Teams. Whether it’s project discussions, departmental updates, or private conversations, channels help keep conversations organized and focused.

In this article, you’ll learn how to create Microsoft Teams channels using:

• Teams Admin Center (UI-based)
• Microsoft Graph PowerShell (automation-friendly)

What are Microsoft Teams Channels?

Microsoft Teams channels are dedicated spaces within a Team where members collaborate around a specific topic, project, or workstream.

Each channel includes:

• Conversations (posts and replies)
• File storage (backed by SharePoint)
• Tabs for apps, documents, and tools

Types of Microsoft Teams Channels

• Standard Channel
• Accessible to all Team members
• Best for general collaboration

• Private Channel
• Accessible only to selected members
• Has its own SharePoint site
• Ideal for sensitive discussions

• Shared Channel (not covered in this article)

How to Create Microsoft Teams Channels?

You can create Teams channels in two common ways:

• Teams Admin Center – Best for manual, UI-based management
• Microsoft Graph PowerShell – Best for automation and bulk creation

Let’s explore both methods.

Using Teams Admin Center

The Teams Admin Center allows administrators to create and manage channels without using PowerShell.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sign in to the Teams Admin Center
   https://admin.teams.microsoft.com
2. Navigate to:
   Teams → Manage teams

3. Select the Team where you want to create a channel

4. Go to the Channels tab  Click + Add  Enter the channel details:
• Channel name
• Description
• Privacy (Standard or Private)

5. Click Apply

The channel is created instantly and becomes available to eligible Team members.

✅ Best for:

• One-off channel creation
• Visual confirmation
• Admins who prefer a GUI

Using Graph PowerShell

For administrators managing Teams at scale, Microsoft Graph PowerShell provides flexibility and automation.

Install Microsoft Graph PowerShell

Install-Module Microsoft.Graph -Scope CurrentUser

Import Teams Module

Import-Module Microsoft.Graph.Teams

Connect to Microsoft Graph

Connect-MgGraph -Scopes "Channel.Create","Group.ReadWrite.All"

These scopes allow you to create and manage Teams channels.

Usage Examples

• Example 1: Create a Standard Channel

Import-Module Microsoft.Graph.Teams
$params = @{
    displayName = "Architecture Discussion"
    description = "This channel is where we debate all future architecture plans"
    membershipType = "standard"
}
New-MgTeamChannel -TeamId $teamId -BodyParameter $params
                                            

✅ Creates a standard channel accessible to all Team members.

• Example 2: Create a Private Channel

Import-Module Microsoft.Graph.Teams
$params = @{
    membershipType = "private"
    displayName = "My First Private Channel"
    description = "This is my first private channel"
}
New-MgTeamChannel -TeamId $teamId -BodyParameter $params
                                            

✅ Creates a private channel with restricted access.

⚠️ Private channel membership must be managed separately after creation.

• Example 3: Create a Standard Channel and Mark as Favorite

Import-Module Microsoft.Graph.Teams
$params = @{
    displayName = "Architecture Discussion"
    description = "This channel is where we debate all future architecture plans"
    membershipType = "standard"
    IsFavoriteByDefault = $true
}
New-MgTeamChannel -TeamId $teamId -BodyParameter $params
                                            

✅ Automatically marks the channel as a favorite for Team members.

Conclusion

Creating channels in Microsoft Teams helps keep collaboration structured and efficient.

• Teams Admin Center is ideal for quick, manual channel creation
• Graph PowerShell is powerful for automation and standardized setups

For organizations managing Teams at scale, mastering Graph PowerShell ensures consistency and saves time.

👉 By choosing the right approach, you can keep Teams clean, organized, and productive.