Microsoft Teams not opening or Crashes on Windows 11 (7 solutions)

Microsoft Teams is a cloud-based platform primarily used for team collaboration, communication, and meetings. It offers features like chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and integration with other Microsoft 365 apps. However, like any other app, Microsoft Teams isn’t perfect and can occasionally fail to work as expected. Users report Microsoft Teams won’t open, freezes at launch, or crashes unexpectedly, especially after Windows 11 update. Well, these issues are common and often occur from Corrupted cache, outdated software, or system conflicts. If you also having trouble accessing the Teams app on Windows, here is how to fix and get Microsoft Teams running smoothly again.

Why Microsoft Teams Won’t Open?

Microsoft Teams not opening can be due to various reasons, including corrupted cache, incompatible operating system versions, or even network issues. Here are some common reasons why Microsoft Teams may not opening.

• Corrupted Cache Files: Over time, Teams’ cache can become corrupted, causing crashes or failure to launch.
• Outdated App or System: An outdated Teams app or Windows 11 version can lead to compatibility issues.
• Conflicting Processes: Background processes or incompatible drivers may interfere with Teams.
• Server Issues: If Microsoft’s servers are down, Teams may not function properly.
• Hardware Acceleration: Enabled by default, this feature can sometimes cause crashes.

Check Microsoft Teams Service Status

Before troubleshooting your device, confirm that the issue isn’t on Microsoft’s end. Server outages can prevent Teams from opening or cause crashes.

• Visit https://portal.office.com/servicestatus
• Look for the “Teams” option in the left sidebar.
• A green checkmark indicates servers are operational. Any other symbol suggests a service issue.

If servers are down, wait for Microsoft to resolve the issue. Check the official Microsoft 365 Status page or search for #TeamsDown on X for real-time updates

Restart the Microsoft Teams App

Again, Temporary glitches with the Teams app could also prevent it from loading its graphical interface on Windows. If Microsoft Teams won’t open, try restarting the app by right-clicking the Teams icon in the taskbar and selecting “Quit” or “Close”. Then, re-launch the application.

In addition:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager on Windows.
• In the Processes tab, locate Microsoft Teams. Right-click on it and select End task from the context menu.
• Now, try to open Microsoft Teams again check if the problem is gone.

Clear Microsoft Teams Cache

Corrupted cache is one of the top reasons Teams fails to open or crashes. Clearing it can resolve these issues without affecting your account data.

Deleting cache files removes corrupted data, allow Teams to start fresh

• Ensure Teams is fully closed. Check the system tray, right-click the Teams icon, and select “Quit.”
• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams and press Enter.
• Select all files and folders (Ctrl + A) and permanently delete them (Shift + Delete).
• Close File Explorer and restart your PC. After that, try to open the Teams app again.

Update Microsoft Teams and Windows 11

Using an outdated version can cause compatibility issues. Ensure both Teams and Windows 11 are up to date.

Update Teams:

• Open Teams (if possible) and click your profile picture in the top-right corner.
• Go to Settings > About > Version. If an update is available, Teams will prompt you to install it.

• Alternatively, open the Microsoft Store, search for Teams, and click “Update.”

Update Windows 11:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Navigate to Windows Update > Check for updates.
• Install any pending updates and restart your PC.

Updated version of app fixes bugs, improves compatibility, and addresses issues like Microsoft Teams not launching on Windows 11.

Repair or reset Microsoft Teams via settings

Windows 11 allows you to repair or reset apps to fix internal issues. Repairing or resetting Microsoft Teams can address various issues like app malfunctions, slow performance, or errors.

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
• Search for “Microsoft Teams,” click the three-dot menu, and select Advanced options.
• Under the “Reset” section, click Repair. Wait for the process to complete (a checkmark will appear).
• If the issue persists, click Reset. Note: Resetting deletes app data, requiring you to sign in again.

Repairing the app attempts to fix corrupted files or components, while resetting the app clears its cache and data, often forcing a fresh start.

Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a troubleshooter for Microsoft Store apps, like Teams can help you fix common issues with UWP (Universal Windows Platform). Let’s run this troubleshooter and see if that gets the Teams app back up and running on Windows.

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Locate “Windows Store Apps” and click “Run.”
• Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your PC.

The troubleshooter detects and fixes app-specific issues automatically.

Reinstall the Microsoft Teams app

If all else fails, reinstalling Teams can resolve deep-rooted issues caused due to app file corruption or more.

• Open Settings (Windows + I) and go to Apps > Installed apps.
• Find Microsoft Teams, click the three-dot menu, and select Uninstall.
• Follow on on-screen instructions. Once removed, restart your PC.

Download Teams from the Microsoft Store or the official Teams website. Install and sign in.

Update Display Adapter Drivers

Sometimes, Incompatible or outdated display drivers can cause Teams to crash. Update drivers ensure compatibility with Teams’ graphics requirements.

• Press Windows + S and type “Device Manager.”
• Expand the “Display adapters” section.
• Right-click your graphics driver (e.g., Intel HD Graphics) and select “Update driver.”
• Choose “Search automatically for drivers.” If no updates are found, visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, NVIDIA) to download the latest driver.
• Restart your PC and test Teams.

Check Your Computer for Corrupt Files

Well, If system files are corrupted, they might affect how apps like Teams behave. Running SFC (or System File Checker) and DISM restore health command help you find and repair damaged files on Windows. Here’s how to run it.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator
• Type the command sfc /scannow in the console and press Enter to run the SFC scan
• Next, run the command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Wait for the scan to complete and restart your computer. Then, try to relaunch the Teams app.

Some security software may block Teams from launching. Temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall and try opening Teams. If it works, add an exception for Teams in your security app settings.