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To go to the next line in a Microsoft Teams chat without sending your message, press Shift+Enter on Windows or Shift+Return on Mac. This works in the Teams desktop and web apps, and Microsoft labels the shortcut Start new line.
Teams normally uses Enter to send a message. If you regularly write multi-line messages, you can also change Teams so that Enter inserts a line break instead.
Insert a line break in Teams chat
| Device | Shortcut | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Shift+Enter | Moves the cursor to the next line |
| Mac | Shift+Return | Moves the cursor to the next line |
Use the shortcut while your cursor is in the message compose box:
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- Open the chat or channel where you want to write.
- Click inside the message box.
- Type the first line.
- Press Shift+Enter on Windows, or Shift+Return on Mac.
- Type the next line.
- Press Enter to send the finished message using the default setting.
For example, you can format a short update like this:
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I will send the link shortly.All of those lines can be sent as one Teams message. Pressing Enter after the final line sends the message when Teams is using its default Enter behavior.
Change Enter so it starts a new line
Recent Teams versions include a setting that changes what the Enter key does. Instead of sending immediately, Enter can insert a line break.
- In Teams, select Settings and more in the upper-right corner. This is the … menu.
- Select Settings.
- Open Chats and channels.
- Find When writing a message, press Enter to….
- Select Start a new line.
After this change, pressing Enter creates a new line in the compose box instead of sending the draft. This is useful if you frequently write detailed messages, lists, or instructions.
Send a message after changing the setting
When Start a new line is selected, use the following shortcuts to send:
| Device | Send shortcut |
|---|---|
| Windows | Ctrl+Enter |
| Mac | Command+Enter |
Shift+Enter continues to insert a line break regardless of whether Enter is configured to send or to start a new line. This makes it the safest shortcut to remember when you only need an occasional line break.
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Expand the Teams compose box
For longer messages, expand the compose area before typing. This gives you more room to review formatting and line breaks.
| Device | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Windows | Ctrl+Shift+X |
| Mac | Shift+Command+X |
These shortcuts work in the Teams desktop and web apps. In the expanded compose box, Microsoft documents these send shortcuts:
- Ctrl+Enter on Windows
- Command+Enter on Mac
Do not confuse the expanded-compose behavior with the normal message box. Microsoft specifically labels Ctrl+Enter as Send (expanded compose box) in its shortcut documentation. It is also the send shortcut when the newer Start a new line setting is enabled.
What to do if Enter sends your message
That is the normal default behavior. Teams currently selects Send the message for Enter, so an accidental press can send an unfinished draft.
You have two options:
- Use Shift+Enter each time you need a line break.
- Change Settings > Chats and channels > When writing a message, press Enter to… to Start a new line, then send with Ctrl+Enter or Command+Enter.
If you cannot see the setting, update or reload Teams and check whether you are using the desktop or web app. Microsoft’s rollout notice says the setting applies to Teams Desktop and Web, is per-user, and roams across devices. It does not require an administrator to enable it, and Microsoft lists no admin policy or Microsoft Graph configuration for it.
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Check the shortcut list in Teams
Teams includes an in-app list of keyboard shortcuts:
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- Select Keyboard shortcuts.
You can also open the list with:
- Ctrl+Period (.) on Windows
- Command+Period (.) on Mac
Microsoft’s shortcut documentation is based on the US keyboard layout. On another keyboard layout, the key corresponding to a documented shortcut may be positioned or labeled differently.
Does this work in Teams Free?
Yes. Microsoft’s Teams Free shortcut documentation lists Shift+Enter for starting a new line in Windows Desktop, Windows Web, Mac, and Mac Web.
The exact settings available can vary with the Teams experience and the version being used, but Shift+Enter is the documented cross-platform method for inserting a line break.
Is there a slash command for a new line?
No slash command is needed. Teams supports commands such as /settings, /shortcuts, and /goto, but Microsoft does not document a slash command for inserting a line break. Use Shift+Enter instead.
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Why older Teams instructions may be wrong
Older guides often say that Teams has no setting for changing Enter into a new-line key. That was true for many earlier versions, but it is no longer generally correct after the 2026 rollout of the When writing a message, press Enter to… setting.
If you want the simplest method that works without changing anything, use Shift+Enter. If you write multi-line messages often, select Start a new line in Settings > Chats and channels and use Ctrl+Enter or Command+Enter to send.
FAQ
How do I go to the next line in a Teams chat?
Press Shift+Enter on Windows or Shift+Return on Mac while the cursor is in the Teams compose box.
Why does Enter send my Teams message?
Enter normally uses the default Send the message behavior. Use Shift+Enter for a line break, or change Settings > Chats and channels > When writing a message, press Enter to… to Start a new line.
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Press Ctrl+Enter on Windows or Command+Enter on Mac.
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- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
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Does Shift+Enter still work after changing the Enter setting?
Yes. Shift+Enter always inserts a new line, whether Enter is configured to send or to create a new line.
What is the shortcut to expand the Teams compose box?
Press Ctrl+Shift+X on Windows or Shift+Command+X on Mac.
Can I use a slash command to insert a line break in Teams?
No. Microsoft does not document a slash command for this action. Use Shift+Enter.
The Bottom Line
Use Shift+Enter on Windows or Shift+Return on Mac to move to the next line without sending. For a permanent change, open Settings > Chats and channels, choose Start a new line under When writing a message, press Enter to…, and send with Ctrl+Enter or Command+Enter.
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