Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To manage Microsoft Teams, open Settings and more beside your profile picture and select Settings. From there, you can adjust preferences and notifications; personal-use accounts also have mobile data, storage, and privacy controls. Work or school files and retention are governed by Microsoft 365 storage and your organization’s policies, so the steps and outcomes depend on your account type.
Open and search Teams settings
- In the desktop app, select Settings and more next to your profile picture.
- Select Settings.
- Use the settings search box to find a control by category, option name, or descriptive keyword.
Settings include language and regional formats, appearance, profile, and status. A language or region change may require restarting Teams before it takes effect. Labels and available options can differ across platforms.
Change notification behavior
Go to Settings > Notifications and activity. Review the general and display controls, then the categories for chat and channel, meetings, apps, and activity. The settings affect both which events alert you and how those alerts appear—for example, whether message content is shown in a notification preview.
Some controls are platform-specific. Microsoft says the option to mute all notifications except calls and meetings is available on Windows; do not assume it appears in every Teams version.
#1 Best Overall
- SUPPORT WORK FROM ANYWHERE WITH SYNC: Whether employees are in the office, at home, or somewhere else, Sync device management software helps everyone stay connected by letting you ensure their Logitech video collaboration personal devices are being used and up to date.
- Open workspaces are great for collaboration, but not so great when the noise around you makes it hard to concentrate. Active noise cancellation substantially reduces unwanted ambient sound, so you can get focused and stay focused.
- Great for Music and Talking with immersive sound for listening to music and a noise-canceling mic that ensures that your voice is heard on the other end of a call—not the noise around you.
- On ear controls to adjust volume, start/end calls, and invoke Teams. Plus button controls for power, active noise cancellation (ANC), wireless Bluetooth pairing, and mute on/off or use the flip-to-mute mic feature.
- Certified for Microsoft Teams ensures it’s easy to pick-up or answer Teams meetings, calls, messages, and notifications with a single press to the Teams button. Or apply a longer touch to invoke Cortana voice skills.
Manage personal-use data and storage on mobile
These controls apply to Teams for personal use on iOS and Android. Microsoft lists them under Profile picture > Settings > Data and Storage. They are not a general desktop or work/school account procedure.
- Clear temporary files: remove temporary app files.
- Clear app data or reset the app database: use the available app-maintenance controls if you need to clear stored app data or reset its database.
- Reduce video-call data use: change how much data Teams uses for video calls.
- Change image upload quality: adjust the quality used when uploading images.
- Manage history: view or clear history using the available controls.
These actions concern the mobile app’s data and behavior; they are distinct from deleting cloud files or controlling an organization’s retention policy. Microsoft’s data and storage instructions identify iOS and Android as the supported platforms for these settings.
Rank #2
- Digital Stereo Sound: Fine-tuned drivers provide enhanced digital audio for music, calls, meetings and more
- Rotating Noise Canceling Mic: Minimizes unwanted background noise for clear conversations; the rotating boom arm can be tucked out of the way when you’re not using it
- Handy In-line Controls: Simple in-line controls on the headset cable let you adjust the volume or mute calls without disruption
- Plug-and-Play USB Computer Headset: Simply plug the USB-A connector into your computer and you’re ready to talk or listen without the need to install software
- Padded Comfort: Comfortable headphones with adjustable headband features swivel-mounted, leatherette ear cushions for hours of comfort and is easy to clean
Adjust discoverability and privacy for personal accounts
In Teams for personal use, open Settings > Privacy to review who can find you, who can call you, who can add you to groups, and which contact details appear on your profile.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Microsoft says personal-use accounts are searchable by email address, phone number, and profile name by default. Turning off contact details limits the ability of people who have never chatted with you to find your profile using those details. If you hide your email, keep in mind that it must remain visible on your profile card for you to receive calendar invitations. See Microsoft’s guidance on how people can find you.
Rank #3
- CRYSTAL-CLEAR CALLS: Hear and be heard clearly with advanced noise-canceling microphones for seamless communication.
- LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT: Experience all-day comfort with its lightweight design and foam or leatherette ear cushions that won't weigh you down during long meetings or calls.
- EFFORTLESS SETUP: Simply plug into your laptop via USB-A or USB-C for instant use, plus easy call and volume controls for smooth call management.
- ONLINE MEETINGS THAT JUST WORK: Works with all leading online meeting platforms and certified for Microsoft Teams.
- SOLID SOUND: Powerful 28mm speakers deliver richer sound for a better audio experience.
Find work or school files and understand where they are stored
For work or school accounts, the storage location depends on whether a file was shared in a channel or a chat.
| Where the file was shared | Storage location | What that means |
|---|---|---|
| Team channel | The team’s SharePoint folder | The file belongs to the team’s shared channel storage. |
| One-to-one or group chat | The sender’s OneDrive for Business, in Microsoft Teams Chat Files | The file is shared with people in that conversation and is associated with the sender’s Microsoft 365 account. |
Microsoft Support states, “Files you upload to a channel are stored in your team’s SharePoint folder.” In Teams, look in the conversation’s Shared area to find shared files. These business files are associated with the Microsoft 365 account, not a personal OneDrive connection. See Microsoft’s explanation of file storage in Teams.
Rank #4
- Microsoft Teams Certified & UC Optimized: Ensure crystal-clear communication with Microsoft Teams Open Office certification and UC platform compatibility, perfect for hybrid workspaces and virtual meetings. Use of USB-A receiver required for all Microsoft Teams functionality.
- Bluetooth 5.3 & Multipoint Technology: Seamlessly switch between two devices with dual Bluetooth connections or use the USB-A receiver for plug-and-play convenience
- Advanced Noise Cancellation: Three-mic noise suppression technology blocks distractions, delivering unmatched audio clarity for professional calls or casual gaming
- Ergonomic & Lightweight Design: At only 140g, the headset features adjustable memory foam earcups and a flexible headband for extended comfort during long workdays or gaming sessions
- Unmatched Battery Life: Stay powered with up to 31 hours of talk time or 60 hours of music playback on a single charge, ensuring productivity and entertainment without interruptions
Export or delete personal-use files, messages, and media
Personal-use file management is separate from work or school file storage. To copy, download, or delete personal-use files, use the Teams Chat Files folder in OneDrive. Microsoft also provides an export process for personal-use messages and media; the downloaded export is delivered as a TAR archive. Follow the steps on Microsoft’s export or deletion page.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Understand retention for work or school messages and files
Deleting a sent message in Teams does not necessarily remove every copy. An organization’s retention policy determines how long messages and files are kept, and a compliance copy may remain after a user deletes a message. The duration varies by organization; ask your IT administrator which policy applies to your account.
Best Value
- Comfortable on-ear design with lightweight, padded earcups for all-day wear.
- Background noise-reducing microphone.
- High-quality stereo speakers optimized for voice.
- Mute control with status light. Easily see, at a glance, whether you can be heard or not.
- Convenient call controls, including mute, volume, and the Teams button, are in-line and easy to reach.
Microsoft also warns that messages removed by a retention policy cannot be recovered. A user’s Teams controls therefore do not override the organization’s retention rules. Read Microsoft’s retention-policy guidance.
How long personal-use Teams data remains available
Microsoft’s personal-use availability table lists the following periods. The support article does not state a publication year, so these are presented as Microsoft’s published values without assigning a year.
| Data type | Published availability | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Call history | 30 days | Microsoft’s stated period; the support article gives no publication year. |
| Diagnostic data | Up to 13 months | Controlled through the Microsoft account privacy page; the support article gives no publication year. |
For other listed personal-use data types, availability continues until you delete the data, leave the conversation, or permissions change. See Microsoft’s personal-use data availability information.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
