Clear the Microsoft Teams Cache

Explains how to clear the Microsoft Teams cache on Windows and macOS to resolve common problems such as freezing, sign-in errors, or content that fails to load. Covers quitting Teams, deleting the contents of the Teams cache folders, and restarting. Applies to anyone using the Teams desktop app on a Bowdoin computer.

Issues

• Microsoft Teams is freezing, crashing, or running slowly.
• Teams will not load messages, channels, or content correctly.
• I am having sign-in or connection problems in Teams.
• How do I clear the Teams cache on Windows?
• How do I clear the Teams cache on a Mac?
• Teams is behaving strangely and I want to reset it without reinstalling.

Environment

This article applies to anyone using the Microsoft Teams desktop app on a Bowdoin-issued Windows or Mac computer. Clearing the cache deletes temporary files that Teams rebuilds automatically, and it can resolve many common issues without reinstalling the app.

Resolution

If you are having issues with Teams, clearing the cache on the device may help resolve them. Follow the steps below for a Windows or Mac computer.

Clear the Teams cache on Windows

To clear the Microsoft Teams cache on Windows, delete files from within the Teams app data folder.

1. Quit Teams.
2. Open the Search bar in the lower-left corner, or press Windows + R.
3. Type %appdata% and press Enter.
4. Navigate to Microsoft > Teams.
5. Once in the directory, delete all the files and folders within the following folders:

   Application Cache
Blob_storage
Cache
Databases
GPUCache
IndexedDB
Local Storage
tmp

6. Once this step is complete, restart the computer. The Microsoft Teams chat cache will have cleared successfully.

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Clear the Teams cache on macOS

1. Quit Microsoft Teams.
2. From Finder, click Go > Connect to Folder.
3. In the Folder window, type ~/Library (without the quotes) and click Go. A new Finder window will open at that location.
4. Navigate to Application Support/Microsoft/Teams.
5. Delete all files and sub-folders in the following folders:

   Application Cache/Cache
blob_storage
Cache
databases
GPUCache
IndexedDB
Local Storage
tmp

6. Restart Microsoft Teams.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

• Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
• Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
• In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
• Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.