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Where Are Microsoft Teams Recordings Stored? A Complete Guide (2025 Update)

  • QT Press
  • Oct 7
  • 4 min read

Ever wrapped up a Microsoft Teams meeting, hit "stop recording," and then wondered, “Where on earth did that file go?” You’re not alone! Whether you're conducting a remote interview, facilitating a multilingual focus group, or preparing transcripts for qualitative analysis, knowing where your Teams recordings are stored is essential for secure access, efficient workflows, and ethical data handling Plus, if you’re looking to get those recordings transcribed accurately, services like Qualtranscribe can turn your audio into professional, human-verified text in no time.


The good news is that Microsoft has streamlined this process over the years. As of 2025, Teams recordings are no longer buried in the old Microsoft Stream platform (which was the default until mid-2021). Instead, they're stored directly in OneDrive for Business or SharePoint, depending on your meeting type. This makes them easier to access, share, and manage.



The Basics: Why the Change to OneDrive and SharePoint?

Back in the day (pre-2021), Teams dumped recordings straight into Microsoft Stream, which was great for video hosting but clunky for file management. Microsoft shifted gears to integrate recordings more seamlessly with your existing Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Now:


  • Easy access: Find recordings right where you store other files, with a slick embedded video player.

  • Transcription bonus: If enabled, transcripts (.vtt files) sit right next to your video, ready for review or upload to QualTranscribe.

  • Secure and compliant: Perfect for sensitive industries (think HIPAA-compliant storage for healthcare or legal teams).

  • Searchable: Use OneDrive/SharePoint search to track down that one meeting from last month.


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Where Are Recordings Stored? It Depends on the Meeting Type

Teams smartly routes your recordings based on whether it's a casual 1:1 chat, a scheduled private meeting, or a channel-based team huddle. Here's the breakdown:


1. Non-Channel Meetings (Private, 1:1, or Scheduled via Outlook)

Storage Location: The Recordings folder in the meeting organizer’s OneDrive for Business.

  • Look for a “Recordings” subfolder created automatically in your OneDrive.

  • If someone else starts the recording (like a co-organizer), it lands in their OneDrive.


These are personal meetings, so OneDrive keeps things private and under your control. You’ll get an MP4 video, plus a .vtt transcript file if transcription was enabled.


2. Channel Meetings (Team or Group Meetings in a Channel)

Storage Location: The Recordings folder in the team's SharePoint site (accessible via the Files tab in the channel).

  • Navigate to your team channel > Files tab > Recordings folder.


    Channel meetings are collaborative, so SharePoint makes it easy for the whole team to access without extra sharing steps. Guests and external users can view if channel permissions allow.



3. Special Cases: Webinars, Town Halls, or Calls Without OneDrive

Storage Location: Usually the organizer’s OneDrive.

  • 1:1 or Group Calls: Goes to the recorder's OneDrive.


If your OneDrive/SharePoint is full, recordings might sit temporarily in Microsoft’s async storage (rare, but check your quotas). No matter the type, recordings typically process and become available within 5-30 minutes post-meeting.



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How to Find and Access Your Teams Recordings

Hunting for a file shouldn't feel like a treasure quest. Here's how to locate them quickly:


Method 1: From Microsoft Teams (Quickest Way)

  1. Open Teams (desktop, web, or mobile app).

  2. For private meetings, head to the Chat tab and find the meeting in your chat history.

  3. For channel meetings, go to the channel’s Posts or Files tab.

  4. Click Play to stream the recording or hit More options (...) > Download to grab the MP4.


Method 2: From OneDrive (Private Meetings)

  1. Log into onedrive.com with your work or school account.

  2. Navigate to the Recordings folder in your OneDrive root.

  3. Find your MP4 file (named with the meeting title and date) and download or share it.


Method 3: From SharePoint (Channel Meetings)

  1. In Teams: Channel > Files tab > Recordings folder.

  2. Or go directly to your team’s SharePoint site (e.g., yourteam.sharepoint.com) > Documents > Recordings.

  3. Download the MP4 or share the link.



Sharing Your Teams Recordings Securely

Once your file is ready, sharing is straightforward:

  • Share a link: In OneDrive or SharePoint, click Share → Set permissions (e.g., Specific people, Anyone with the link).

  • Post in Teams: Share the link in a chat or channel for quick playback.

  • Set expiration dates: For sensitive content, you can make links expire automatically.


Only meeting organizers and presenters can record by default, but anyone with file access can view or share depending on permissions.


If you're regularly recording interviews or focus groups in Microsoft Teams, Qualtranscribe makes it easy to convert those sessions into precise, human-generated transcripts, fully compatible with analysis platforms like NVivo, ATLAS.ti, and more.



 Transcribing Your Teams Recording with QualTranscribe


Step 1: Download Your Recording

  • Locate your Teams recording in OneDrive or SharePoint (see instructions above).

  • Save the MP4 file to your device; desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone.


Step 2: Visit Qualtranscribe


Step 3: Submit Your File

  • Upload your MP4 via their web form or or simply share a download link.

  • Include key details:

    • Language: Select the primary language (e.g., English, Spanish, French, or “Other” for niche dialects).

    • Notes: Mention accents, terminology, or context (e.g., “Focus group, medical terms”).


Step 4: Confirm and Receive

  • Submit your order. Qualtranscribe typically provides a quote based on file length.

  • Standard turnaround is 3-5 days, with rush options available.

  • Transcripts arrive as clean or full verbatim, formatted documents (Word or PDF), ready for coding in NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or your preferred analysis tool.


Wrapping Up

There you have it! Microsoft Teams recordings are securely stored in OneDrive for individual access and SharePoint for collaborative projects, making it easier to manage, share, and archive your research sessions. Whether you're conducting interviews, moderating focus groups, or preparing transcripts for analysis, knowing where your recordings live helps streamline your workflow and safeguard your data.



Last updated: October 2025. Microsoft features evolve, so always verify in your admin center for org-specific tweaks.

 
 
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