How to use Microsoft Teams breakout rooms

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To use Microsoft Teams breakout rooms, the meeting organizer can create and manage breakout rooms during a Teams meeting, allowing participants to collaborate in smaller groups. This feature enhances engagement and interaction among participants, especially in larger meetings.

Medium⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before using breakout rooms in Microsoft Teams, ensure you meet the following requirements:
  • •A Microsoft Teams account with a valid subscription (e.g., Microsoft 365 Business, Education, or Enterprise).
  • •The meeting organizer must be using the desktop version of Microsoft Teams (Windows or macOS) as breakout rooms are not available on mobile versions.
  • •Participants should have the Teams desktop app or web app with updated permissions.
  • •Ensure your Teams application is updated to the latest version to access all features.

Method 1: Creating Breakout Rooms During a Meeting

This method is the primary way to create breakout rooms while the meeting is ongoing. Use this when you want to facilitate group discussions in real-time.
  • •Step 1: Start a meeting in Microsoft Teams. Click on 'Meet now' or schedule a meeting from the calendar.
  • •Step 2: Once in the meeting, click on the 'Breakout rooms' icon (it looks like two rectangles) in the meeting controls toolbar.
  • •Step 3: A panel will appear on the right side. Choose the number of breakout rooms you want to create (1-50) and click 'Create rooms'.
  • •Step 4: Assign participants to rooms automatically or manually by selecting the participants and clicking 'Assign'.
  • •Step 5: Click 'Open rooms' to start the breakout sessions. Participants will receive a notification to join their assigned room.
  • •Step 6: To verify it worked, check the breakout rooms panel to see which participants are assigned to each room.
  • •Step 7: If it doesn't work, ensure you have the correct permissions and that your Teams app is updated.

For Windows 11

Follow these steps specifically for Windows 11 users:
  • •Ensure Teams is pinned to the taskbar for quick access.
  • •Use the 'Windows + C' shortcut to open the Teams app quickly.

For Windows 10

Follow these steps specifically for Windows 10 users:
  • •Right-click the Teams icon in the taskbar and select 'Close window' to restart if you encounter issues.
  • •Use 'Alt + Tab' to switch between the Teams meeting and other applications seamlessly.

Method 2: Pre-Assigning Breakout Rooms

Use this method when you want to set up breakout rooms before the meeting starts. This is useful for larger meetings where planning is essential.
  • •Step 1: Schedule a meeting in Microsoft Teams and add participants.
  • •Step 2: In the meeting options, find the 'Breakout rooms' section.
  • •Step 3: Pre-assign participants to breakout rooms by selecting their names from the list and assigning them to specific rooms.
  • •Step 4: Save the meeting settings. When the meeting starts, the breakout rooms will be ready with participants assigned.
  • •Step 5: Verify the assignments by checking the breakout rooms panel once the meeting begins.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while using breakout rooms, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Breakout rooms not available' - Solution: Ensure you are the meeting organizer and using the desktop version of Teams.
  • •Issue: Participants cannot join their breakout room - Fix: Check if the rooms are opened and participants have the correct permissions.
  • •Problem: Participants are missing from the breakout room assignment - Workaround: Manually assign participants during the meeting if they are not pre-assigned.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your breakout room experience with these tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: 'Ctrl + Shift + M' - Mute or unmute your microphone quickly during breakout sessions.
  • •Command line: Use '/breakout' in the Teams chat to quickly access breakout room settings.
  • •Hidden feature: Use 'Room settings' to customize participant permissions in breakout rooms.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Using breakout rooms effectively requires planning and understanding participant dynamics.