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Microsoft 365, Connecting to Box folders in Microsoft Teams

Two solutions for connecting to Box folders in Microsoft Teams

File Storage in Microsoft Teams

In Microsoft Teams each channel starts with two tabs: Post and Files. The Files tab is where people can store files (i.e., documents, spreadsheets, images) for collaboration by the the Team members. By default, the Files tab will utilize SharePoint and OneDrive for file storage. You can choose to use alternative cloud storage options, including Box at Illinois. There are two approved methods to connect your Microsoft Team to Box.

Method 1

The first method involves using the sharing link from Box. 
  1. Open Microsoft Teams and navigate to the channel where you want to connect to Box.
  2. In the upper toolbar, click the plus symbol (it's located to the right of the Files tab) to add a new tab.
  3. Select website
  4. A new window opens where you can set-up the Website.
    • Enter a name for the website
    • Enter the URL (this will be the sharing link for the folder from Box)
    • Use the checkbox to indicate whether you want to post about the creation of the website.Add a Website
  5. After you click the Save button, you'll see a new tab to connects to your Box folder
  6. Follow the directions to Log in. This process grants this Teams channel access to your Box at Illinois folder. Login button
    • All users that have been made members of this Teams channel will have access the folder that you've shared.
    • Only the folder that you used the Shared Link for will be accessible by the members of your Team.

Method 2

The second method involves using Microsoft's Add Cloud Storage option.
Note: This method does not work in the new Teams 2.x version, Microsoft is not providing the "Add Cloud Storage" option at this time.
  1. Open Microsoft Teams and navigate to the channel where you want to connect to Box.
  2. In the upper toolbar, click the Files tab.
  3. Click the button to Add cloud storage.                       Add cloud storage
  4. This opens a new window where you are presented with six options for alternative cloud storage; select Box.
  5. This opens a new window where you'll have to grant Microsoft Teams access to your Box account.  Grant Teams access to Box
  6. After providing access to Box, you'll have to choose which folder you want Teams to access.
  7. Click the Add folder button

For Additional Questions

If you have  additional questions about using Box with Microsoft Teams, please contact the Technology Services support team by emailing teams-support@illinois.edu.