- Over time, the temporary cache data created by Microsoft Teams can slow down your app’s performance.
- Regularly clearing out your cache can help keep the app running smoothly.
- You can do this via the Run dialog or the App’s advanced options.
Microsoft’s collaborative workspace app can be an invaluable part of any team. Yet frequently making and receiving calls and messages, hosting video conferences, and file storage can collect a lot of data over time and begin to slow everything down.
No, it’s not your PC struggling to keep going, just the Microsoft Teams cache filling up.
In this article, we’ll show you how to clear Microsoft Teams cache and keep your app running as smoothly as the day you first started it up.
The Cache Crash
The Microsoft Teams cache holds the temporary and permanent data that’s stored by the app for smoother operation. While this helps the app run more effectively, over time it can get bogged down by excessive data being stored. The biggest offenders in this case would be images, document previews, and app data. There are also smaller binary files and scripts that add to the problem.
If you’re experiencing any slowdown with Teams, it’s probably a good idea to clear the cache. Preventative flushing (once a month or less) is also a good idea to prevent these issues in the first place.
Regularly clearing the cache of Microsoft Teams ensures that the app runs smoothly, keeps only recent information and relevant data, and avoids operational issues, such as frequent crashes and sign-in problems.
How to Clear Microsoft Teams Cache
If you’re ready to flush the cache and have Teams function smoothly again, first ensure that all Microsoft Office programs are completely closed. This includes the background tasks too. To check if these are still running, open the system tray and look for the Microsoft Teams logo. If it’s there, right-click on it and “Quit” the process.
A quick reminder that a cleared cache means you’ll have to reenter your login details too. Some of your personal settings may also be changed.
Once everything is closed, it’s time to clear the cache:
Old Microsoft Teams App
If you’re running Windows 10 or an older version of Teams, the easiest way to clear the cache is to delete all files within it. Here’s how:
Start by opening the “Run” dialog box (Win + R).
Type “%appdata%\Microsoft\Teams” to access the cache directory.
To enter as an Administrator, press (Ctrl + Shift +Enter) instead of the “OK” button.
An explorer window will open displaying all the cache files. Select them all and press Delete. You can also press (Shift +Del) to permanently delete the files and skip the Recycle Bin.
- Restart Teams. The cache will rebuild all the deleted folders and start fresh. This process may take a while.
Reset the App
If you’re using the newer Teams app, you can also delete the app data via advanced settings. Here’s how:
- Open Settings (Win + I) and choose “Apps.”
In the “Apps & features” menu, find Microsoft Teams in the list of installed apps and software.
Click “Microsoft Teams” and then select “Advanced options” as it pops up.
Scroll down to the “Reset” submenu and click the “Reset” button.
- A warning message will pop up. Click “Reset” and the app data (including the cache) will be cleared.
Clear Local Cache Data
If you’re using the new Teams app, another way to clear the cache is via the Run Dialog box:
Startup Run (Win +R).
Type “%userprofile%\appdata\local\Packages\MSTeams_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\Microsoft\MSTeams” into the dialog box and press (Ctrl + Shift + Enter) to open as an Administrator.
- A new Explorer window will open. Select all files and either press the Delete key or (Sift + Del) to skip the Recycle Bin.
- Your cache will be rebuilt when you next start the app.
