How to Clear the Cache in Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is an essential communication hub, but like any heavy desktop application, it relies extensively on local cache files to load chats, images, and channel data quickly. When these cache files become corrupted or oversized, Teams can exhibit a range of frustrating problems: messages failing to send, presence statuses freezing, the application refusing to load, or abnormally high CPU usage.

Clearing the cache is the universally accepted first step for troubleshooting almost any Microsoft Teams glitch. However, the exact method depends on whether you are using the “Classic” version of Teams or the “New” Microsoft Teams client, as well as your operating system.

In this guide, we will cover the exact steps to clear the cache for both versions on Windows and macOS.

How to Clear Cache in the “New” Microsoft Teams (Windows 11 & 10)

Microsoft recently overhauled Teams, moving it to a faster architecture. Because of this, the New Teams stores its cache in a completely different hidden directory than the legacy version.

Method 1: Using the Windows Settings App (Recommended)

The safest and easiest way to clear the New Teams cache is to use the built-in Windows repair tool.

1. Open the Windows Settings app (press Win + I).
2. Navigate to Apps > Installed apps.
3. Scroll down or use the search bar to find Microsoft Teams.
4. Click the three horizontal dots (…) next to the application and select Advanced options.
5. Scroll down to the Reset section.
6. Click the Reset button. (Note: The “Repair” button often does not clear the cache deeply enough; “Reset” is required).
7. Relaunch Microsoft Teams. You will need to sign back in.

Method 2: Manually Deleting the Cache Files via the Run Dialog

If the Settings method fails, you can manually delete the files from the hidden AppData folder.

1. Ensure Microsoft Teams is completely closed. Right-click the Teams icon in your system tray (bottom right corner of your screen) and select Quit.
2. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
3. Copy and paste the following exact path into the box: %localappdata%\Packages\MSTeams_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\Microsoft\MSTeams
4. Press Enter. A File Explorer window will open.
5. Select all files and folders in this directory (press Ctrl + A) and press the Delete key.
6. Restart Microsoft Teams.

How to Clear Cache in “Classic” Microsoft Teams (Windows)

If your organization still uses the older, Electron-based version of Microsoft Teams, the cache is located in your Roaming AppData folder.

1. Quit Microsoft Teams entirely from the system tray.
2. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
3. Copy and paste this path: %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams
4. Press Enter.
5. Select all the contents of this folder (Ctrl + A) and permanently delete them (Shift + Delete).
6. Restart the application.

How to Clear Microsoft Teams Cache on macOS

The process on a Mac involves navigating to the hidden Library folder via the Finder application.

1. Quit Microsoft Teams. Right-click the icon in your Dock and select Quit, or press Command + Q while the app is active.
2. Open a Finder window.
3. In the top menu bar, click Go > Go to Folder… (or press Shift + Command + G).
4. Depending on which version of Teams you are using, enter the following path:
   • For New Teams: ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.com.microsoft.teams
   • For Classic Teams: ~/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Teams
5. Move the contents of the respective folder to the Trash.
6. Empty the Trash and restart Microsoft Teams.

What Happens When You Clear the Cache?

Many users worry about losing data when deleting cache files. You will not lose any chats, files, or channel history. All of this information is securely stored on Microsoft’s cloud servers.

However, clearing the cache will reset your local preferences. You will likely need to sign back into your account, and background settings (like a custom background for video calls or your notification preferences) may revert to their default states. The first time you launch Teams after clearing the cache, it will take slightly longer to load as it rebuilds the necessary temporary files.

\n