Complete Guide on How to Uninstall Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a powerful tool for communication, meetings, and file sharing. It is widely used in schools, workplaces, and remote collaborations. However, not everyone wants or needs it on their computer. Some prefer other apps, while others want to free up system space. Unfortunately, removing Teams is not always
Microsoft Teams is a powerful tool for communication, meetings, and file sharing. It is widely used in schools, workplaces, and remote collaborations. However, not everyone wants or needs it on their computer.
Some prefer other apps, while others want to free up system space. Unfortunately, removing Teams is not always straightforward because of hidden background components that reinstall it automatically.
If you are tired of seeing it return after uninstalling, this guide will help. Here is everything you need to know about how to uninstall Microsoft Teams properly.
Uninstalling Microsoft Teams takes more than dragging the app to the Trash or hitting uninstall. To ensure it does not reinstall, you must remove both the Teams application and the Teams Machine-Wide Installer. [Photo: Courtesy]
Uninstalling Microsoft Teams takes more than dragging the app to the Trash or hitting uninstall. To ensure it does not reinstall, you must remove both the Teams application and the Teams Machine-Wide Installer. [Photo: Courtesy]
Understanding How to Uninstall Microsoft Teams Completely
Many users uninstall Microsoft Teams only to find it comes back the next time they restart their computer. This happens because Microsoft installs two parts:- Microsoft Teams app – the main program for chatting and meetings.
- Teams Machine-Wide Installer – a hidden installer that reinstalls Teams whenever you log in.
How to Uninstall Microsoft Teams on Windows
Uninstalling Teams on Windows requires a few steps. Follow this guide carefully to prevent it from returning. 1. Close Microsoft Teams completely- Right-click the Teams icon in the taskbar and choose Quit.
- Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, open Task Manager, select Microsoft Teams, and click End Task.
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps (or Apps & features on older Windows).
- Find Microsoft Teams, click it, and select Uninstall.
- In the same apps list, look for Teams Machine-Wide Installer.
- Select it and click Uninstall.
- Press Windows key + R, type
%appdata%, and press Enter. - Delete the Teams folder inside the Microsoft directory.
- Repeat with
%localappdata%and delete the Teams folder again.
Uninstalling Microsoft Teams on macOS
Removing Microsoft Teams on macOS is simpler but still requires a few steps to clear support files. 1. Quit Teams- Right-click the Teams icon in the dock and choose Quit.
- Open Applications.
- Drag Microsoft Teams to the Trash.
- Open Finder, click Go in the top menu, then select Go to Folder.
- Type
~/Library/Application Supportand press Enter. - Delete any Microsoft subfolders related to Teams.
- Also check
~/Library/Cachesand~/Library/Preferencesfor Teams files and delete them.
- Empty your Trash to finish removal.
What to Do if Microsoft Teams Keeps Reinstalling
If Teams still returns after uninstalling, you probably left the Teams Machine-Wide Installer on your system. Removing it is the key. You can also check your startup apps:- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup tab.
- If Microsoft Teams is listed, disable it.