Administrators can effectively view app requests in Microsoft Teams by signing into the Teams admin center, navigating to Teams apps > Manage apps, and then ensuring the Requests by users column is displayed and sorted as needed. This process allows IT professionals to monitor and manage applications users wish to integrate into their Teams environment.
Understanding Microsoft Teams App Requests
Microsoft Teams app requests are initiated by users when they attempt to use an application that is not yet enabled, approved, or available within their organization's Teams environment. These requests serve as a direct line of communication from end-users to IT administrators, indicating which applications could enhance productivity or streamline workflows within their teams. By monitoring these requests, administrators gain insights into user needs and can make informed decisions about app governance, security, and compliance.
Step-by-Step Guide for Administrators to See App Requests
Viewing user app requests is a straightforward process within the Microsoft Teams admin center. Follow these steps to access and review pending application requests:
1. Accessing the Teams Admin Center
The first step is to sign into the Microsoft Teams admin center, which is the centralized portal for managing your organization's Teams environment.
- Action: Open your web browser and navigate to the Teams Admin Center.
- Authentication: Sign in using your administrator credentials.
2. Navigating to App Management
Once logged in, you'll need to locate the section dedicated to managing Teams applications.
- Action: In the left-hand navigation pane, expand the Teams apps section.
- Selection: Click on Manage apps. This page lists all available applications, along with their current status in your organization.
3. Displaying and Sorting Requests
To specifically see user-submitted app requests, you'll need to ensure the relevant column is visible and, optionally, sort it for easier review.
- Column Visibility: On the "Manage apps" page, look for the Requests by users column. If it's not immediately visible, you may need to adjust your column settings by clicking on the "Columns" icon (often represented by a gear or small table icon) and selecting to display it.
- Sorting: Once the Requests by users column is displayed, you can click on its header to sort the list of apps. Sorting will help you quickly identify which apps have pending user requests, allowing you to prioritize your review. Apps with active requests will typically show a numerical count.
Here’s a quick overview of the steps:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sign into Teams Admin Center | Use your administrator credentials to access admin.teams.microsoft.com. |
| 2 | Navigate to App Management | From the left menu, go to Teams apps > Manage apps. |
| 3 | Display 'Requests by users' Column | Ensure the Requests by users column is visible; add it if necessary via column settings. |
| 4 | Sort the Column (Optional) | Click the column header to sort apps by the number of user requests. |
Why Monitoring App Requests is Crucial for IT Admins
Proactive management of app requests is vital for maintaining a secure, productive, and compliant Microsoft Teams environment.
- Enhance User Productivity: By reviewing requests, administrators can identify and approve beneficial apps that users need, thereby empowering them with the right tools.
- Maintain Security & Compliance: Each requested app can be evaluated against organizational security policies and compliance regulations before approval, mitigating potential risks.
- Effective App Governance: Monitoring requests helps in shaping your organization's app catalog, ensuring only approved and necessary applications are available, thus avoiding "shadow IT."
- Resource Allocation: Understanding popular app requests can inform decisions about budget allocation for new software licenses or integrations.
Managing User App Requests
Once you've identified pending app requests, the next step is to take action. From the "Manage apps" page in the Teams admin center, you can click on an app with requests to view more details. Administrators typically have the option to:
- Approve the Request: Make the app available for the requesting users or the entire organization.
- Deny the Request: Decline the app's availability, often with an explanation to the user.
- Block/Allow App: Control the overall availability of the app in your tenant.
By regularly checking these requests, administrators can ensure a responsive and well-governed Microsoft Teams ecosystem.
