Microsoft Teams: Default Guest Permissions

Why guest permissions in Microsoft Teams matter

Inviting external guests to Microsoft Teams enables collaboration with partners, suppliers, and clients.
But if permissions aren’t properly managed, guests may access sensitive information or keep access long after projects end.

Without governance:

• Guests can still read files after project closure
• Sensitive data remains in shared channels
• IT has no visibility over guest activity

That’s why understanding default guest permissions — and how to adjust them — is critical.

What are the default guest permissions in Microsoft Teams?

When guest access is enabled, Microsoft gives guests nearly the same capabilities as team members — except for a few restricted actions.

✅ What guests can do by default

• Participate in channel conversations
• Upload, view, and edit files in standard channels
• Join meetings and calls
• Use @mentions and react to messages
• Create, edit, and delete their own messages (configurable)
• Access shared tabs and apps (depending on admin policy)

🚫 What guests cannot do

• Create or delete teams
• Browse the organization directory
• Access private channels they weren’t added to
• Schedule meetings on behalf of others
• Manage other users or assign roles
• Access the Teams Admin Center

💡 By default, guest access is enabled in all new tenants since 2021.

How to view and change guest permissions

Admins can modify guest capabilities in the Teams Admin Center:

1. Go to Teams Admin Center → Users → Guest Access
2. Configure options such as:
   • Allow guests to edit sent messages
   • Allow guests to delete sent messages
   • Allow guests to make private calls
   • Screen sharing in meetings
   • Use chat and meet features
3. Save changes and test with a guest account.

You can also use Sensitivity Labels or per-group guest settings to limit access per team or department.

Guest permissions vs. Azure/Entra directory rights

In Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), guest accounts also have specific default directory permissions.

By default, guests cannot:

• Browse the tenant’s user list
• Access Azure portal resources
• View groups they aren’t members of

These restrictions protect your directory even if Teams guest access is enabled.

Example: Default Guest Access Configuration (2025)

Permission Setting	Default Value	Location to Change It
Guest Access Enabled	On	Teams Admin Center → Users → Guest Access
Allow chat	On	Teams Admin Center
Edit sent messages	On	Teams Admin Center
Delete sent messages	On	Teams Admin Center
Screen sharing in meetings	Entire screen	Meeting Policy
Allow private calls	Off	Meeting Policy
Create channels	Off	Team Settings → Manage Team
Access directory objects	Restricted	Entra ID guest settings

Where Microsoft ends – and how External User Manager helps

Microsoft defines defaults, but not lifecycles, approvals, or reviews.
External User Manager extends governance for full visibility and automation:

Area	Microsoft Native	With External User Manager
Guest Permissions	Admin configurable	Role-based metadata & policies
Invitation Process	Manual	Request & approval workflow
Lifecycle & Removal	Manual	Automated expiration & removal
Reporting & Audit	Limited	Access reviews & audit trail
Compliance	Basic	Policy confirmation & NDA acceptance

FAQs about guest permissions in Teams

Conclusion: Control starts with clear permissions

Default guest permissions in Teams are generous by design — but that means IT needs governance to keep control.
With External User Manager, you can apply organization-wide rules, automate guest removal, and ensure compliance without manual work.

👉 Book your free demo of External User Manager today.