How to Lock a Microsoft Teams Meeting (Step-by-Step)

Maintaining control and ensuring privacy during Microsoft Teams meetings is crucial, especially for confidential discussions or situations requiring focused collaboration. The ability to lock a Teams meeting, preventing further participants from joining once the meeting has begun, offers a simple yet effective security measure. This guide details how to lock and unlock Teams meetings, and explores additional security features to enhance meeting privacy and control.

Locking a Microsoft Teams Meeting:

Locking a meeting prevents anyone from joining after it has started.

Steps:

1- Access Participants Pane: Join the meeting as an organizer or co-organizer. Click the “Participants” button in the meeting controls.

2- Lock the Meeting: Click “More actions” (three vertical dots) in the Participants pane and select “Lock the meeting.” Confirm the action.

Once locked, latecomers receive a notification indicating the meeting is locked and they cannot join. They can still access the meeting chat (if enabled), view shared files, and see recordings. Participants who leave a locked meeting cannot rejoin unless the meeting is unlocked.

Unlocking a Microsoft Teams Meeting:

To allow additional participants to join, unlock the meeting.

Steps:

1. Access Participants Pane: Click the “Participants” button.
2. Unlock the Meeting: Click “More actions” and select “Unlock the meeting.” Confirm the action.

Enhancing Meeting Security with Additional Features:

Locking a meeting is just one aspect of meeting security. Consider these additional measures:

• Lobby Settings: Use the lobby to screen participants before admission. Restrict lobby bypass to organizers and co-organizers for enhanced security.
• Chat Access Control: Control chat access (before, during, and after the meeting) or disable chat entirely.
• Presenter Control: Limit presenting rights to organizers or specific individuals.
• Audio/Video Controls: Mute or disable cameras for attendees to reduce distractions.
• Remove Participants: Remove disruptive or unauthorized participants from the meeting.

These settings can be adjusted before or during a meeting, offering flexibility to adapt to specific needs. For recurring meetings, regularly review and update these security settings.

Conclusion:

Locking Microsoft Teams meetings provides a simple yet effective way to control access and enhance privacy. Combined with other security features, this functionality ensures a more secure and focused meeting environment. Remember to unlock the meeting if you expect late arrivals and to regularly review your meeting settings to maintain optimal security.