The Teams cache only contains temporary data that helps Microsoft Teams open faster and remember recently used information. These files are recreated automatically whenever you launch the application again.
Because of this, clearing the cache is considered one of Microsoft’s recommended troubleshooting methods whenever Teams experiences problems such as:
- Microsoft Teams won’t open
- Teams keeps crashing
- Messages won’t sync
- Images don’t load
- Old profile information still appears
- Status doesn’t update
- Meeting issues
- Login errors
- Slow performance
The process only takes a few minutes. The key is making sure Microsoft Teams is completely closed before deleting the cache files. If Teams is still running in the background, Windows may prevent some files from being deleted.
The exact cache location depends on whether you’re using the classic Microsoft Teams application or the newer Microsoft Teams (Work or School) app.
This guide covers both situations so you can easily find the correct folder and delete the cache!
Clear Microsoft Teams Cache in Windows 11/10 [Guide]
To clear the Microsoft Teams cache in Windows 11 or Windows 10, completely close Microsoft Teams, open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R, enter the appropriate Teams cache folder, delete all files and folders inside it, and then restart Microsoft Teams. The app will automatically rebuild the cache, which often fixes loading problems, sync issues, login errors, and performance issues.
Let’s learn in detail!
Step 1: Completely Close Microsoft Teams
The first thing you need to do is make sure Microsoft Teams is no longer running. Simply clicking the X button in the upper-right corner isn’t always enough because Teams often continues to run in the background.
Start by looking at the system tray near the clock in the lower right corner of your desktop. If you see the Microsoft Teams icon, right-click it and choose Quit. Wait a few seconds for the application to close completely.
To make sure nothing is still running, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Select the Processes tab and look for any entries named Microsoft Teams, Teams, or ms-teams.exe.
If you find any running Teams processes, select each one and click End Task. Once no Teams processes remain, you’re ready to clear the cache without Windows locking any files.
Taking this extra minute helps ensure every temporary file can be removed successfully.
Step 2: Open the Microsoft Teams Cache Folder
After closing Teams, you’ll need to open the folder where Windows stores its temporary Teams files.
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
If you’re using the classic Microsoft Teams, type:
%appdata%\Microsoft\Teams
Then press Enter.
The folder will immediately open in File Explorer.
If you’re using the new Microsoft Teams app, the cache is typically stored in this location:
%LocalAppData%\Packages\MSTeams_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache
Depending on your Teams version and Windows updates, the folder location may vary slightly. If you don’t see one location, check the other.
Inside the folder, you’ll notice several files and folders containing cached information. These may include temporary databases, media files, thumbnails, application settings, and other local data that Teams uses to improve loading speed.
Don’t worry if the folder contains many files. This is completely normal.
Step 3: Delete the Teams Cache Files
Now it’s time to remove the cached data.
Inside the cache folder, press Ctrl + A to select everything.
Next, press the Delete key on your keyboard.
If Windows asks for confirmation, approve the deletion.
Some files may refuse to delete if Teams wasn’t completely closed. If that happens, return to Task Manager, end any remaining Teams processes, and try again.
You are only deleting temporary files. Your Teams conversations, shared documents, meeting history, contacts, and organization information remain safely stored in Microsoft’s cloud.
Once all files have been removed, close File Explorer.
Your cache has now been successfully cleared.
Step 4: Restart Microsoft Teams
Now reopen Microsoft Teams from the Start menu or desktop shortcut.
The first launch after clearing the cache may take a little longer than usual because Teams is creating a brand new cache.
This is completely expected.
You may also be asked to sign in again depending on your organization’s security settings and the version of Teams you’re using.
After signing in, allow Teams a few moments to synchronize chats, download profile pictures, and rebuild temporary files.
Most users notice smoother performance almost immediately after this process finishes.
Step 5: Verify That the Problem Is Fixed
Spend a few minutes using Teams normally.
- Open several chats.
- Switch between different teams.
- Join a meeting.
- Send a message.
- Open your calendar.
- Check whether profile pictures appear correctly.
- Try uploading or downloading a file.
If everything works normally, the corrupted cache was likely the cause of your issue.
If the same problem continues even after clearing the cache, the issue could be related to your Microsoft account, internet connection, outdated Teams version, Windows settings, or organization policies. In that case, updating Teams, repairing the app, or reinstalling it may be the next troubleshooting step.
What Happens After Clearing the Teams Cache?
Many users worry they’ll lose important information after deleting cache files.
Fortunately, that’s not how Microsoft Teams works.
- Your chat history remains stored online.
- Your meeting history stays intact.
- Your shared files remain available.
- Your contacts are not deleted.
- Your Teams and channels remain exactly as they were.
- Your organization data stays synchronized with Microsoft 365.
The only things removed are temporary files that Teams can safely recreate.
You may simply notice that profile pictures, conversations, and recent files take a few moments to reload the first time you use the application again.
When Should You Clear the Microsoft Teams Cache?
Clearing the cache isn’t something you need to do regularly, but it’s an excellent troubleshooting step whenever Teams starts behaving unexpectedly.
It’s especially helpful when Teams opens to a blank screen, refuses to sign in, displays outdated chats, won’t sync messages, crashes repeatedly, runs unusually slowly, or shows missing images and files.
Many IT professionals recommend clearing the cache before attempting more advanced solutions because it’s quick, safe, and often resolves common problems without reinstalling the application.
FAQs
Is clearing the Microsoft Teams cache safe?
Yes. Clearing the Teams cache is completely safe. It only removes temporary files that Teams automatically recreates.
Will I lose my chats after clearing the cache?
No. Your messages, files, meetings, and other account information are stored in Microsoft’s cloud and will sync again after you sign in.
Do I need administrator permission?
Usually, no. Since the cache is stored inside your user profile, most users can delete it without administrator privileges.
Why is Microsoft Teams still slow after clearing the cache?
If Teams continues running slowly, try updating the application, checking your internet connection, restarting Windows, or reinstalling Teams if necessary.
Should I clear the Teams cache regularly?
Not usually. Only clear the cache when you’re troubleshooting issues such as crashes, login problems, sync failures, or slow performance.
Does clearing the cache log me out?
Sometimes. Depending on your Teams version and your organization’s security policies, you may be asked to sign in again after restarting the application.
Does this method work on both Windows 11 and Windows 10?
Yes. The overall process is nearly identical on Windows 11 and Windows 10, although the exact cache folder may differ slightly depending on whether you’re using the classic or new version of Microsoft Teams.
Summary
Clearing the Microsoft Teams cache is one of the quickest and most effective ways to fix common Teams problems on Windows 11 and Windows 10. Because the cache only contains temporary files, removing it is safe and won’t delete your chats, files, meetings, or account information.
The process involves completely closing Teams, opening the correct cache folder, deleting the temporary files, and then restarting the application so it can rebuild a fresh cache. In many cases, this simple troubleshooting step resolves login issues, synchronization problems, crashes, slow performance, and display errors without requiring a full reinstall.
If Teams still doesn’t work correctly after clearing the cache, you can move on to more advanced solutions such as updating, repairing, or reinstalling the application.
However, for many users, clearing the Microsoft Teams cache is all that’s needed to restore smooth and reliable performance.