How to Update Microsoft Teams: A Step-by-Step Guide for Everyone
Microsoft Teams updates automatically for most users, but understanding how updates work—and what to do if you need to take action—helps you stay current and avoid disruptions. Whether your Teams updates happen behind the scenes or you need to manually trigger them depends on your setup, device, and how your organization manages software.
How Teams Updates Normally Work 📱
Automatic updates are the default for most Teams users. When Microsoft releases a new version, your device downloads and installs it without requiring action from you. The timing varies: some updates install immediately when you restart Teams, while others wait until you close and reopen the app.
For web-based Teams (accessed through a browser), updates happen automatically on the server side. You never need to do anything—you'll simply see new features the next time you log in.
For desktop apps (Windows or Mac), updates typically install when you're not actively using Teams, or they prompt you to restart the app to complete the process.
When You Might Need to Update Manually
In some cases, you may need to check for and install updates yourself:
- Your organization has delayed or staged updates — IT departments sometimes control the rollout schedule to test compatibility first
- You're using an older version and notice features are missing
- You've disabled automatic updates on your device
- You're using Teams on a work device with custom management policies
Steps to Manually Check for Updates
On Windows or Mac Desktop
- Open Microsoft Teams
- Click your profile picture (top-right corner)
- Select Settings
- Go to About Teams
- Look for a Check for updates option or similar button (wording varies by version)
- If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it
- You may be asked to close and reopen Teams or restart your device to complete the installation
On Mobile (iOS or Android)
Updates for the Teams mobile app work through your device's app store:
- iPhone/iPad: Open the App Store, find Microsoft Teams, and tap Update if available
- Android: Open Google Play Store, search for Microsoft Teams, and tap Update if shown
Mobile app updates typically happen automatically if you've enabled app store auto-updates in your device settings.
On the Web
No action is needed. Teams automatically updates when you access it through your browser.
What to Expect During an Update ⏳
Minor updates often happen silently—you may notice small bug fixes or subtle interface changes without any disruption.
Major updates might introduce new features, change how certain tools work, or improve performance. These sometimes require a restart or a brief moment where you're logged out.
Some organizations schedule updates during off-hours to minimize workplace disruption. If you're part of a managed Teams environment (through work or school), your IT team may have communicated a specific update window.
Factors That Affect Your Update Experience
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Device type | Desktop, mobile, and web updates follow different timelines and methods |
| Operating system | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android may receive updates at different times |
| Organization policies | Work and school accounts may have delayed or staged rollouts |
| Auto-update settings | Disabling auto-updates means you'll need to manually check periodically |
| Network connectivity | Poor connections may pause or fail downloads; a stable network ensures smooth installation |
Signs Your Teams Version Is Outdated
- Missing features you see in colleagues' screenshots or official announcements
- Performance issues like crashes or slow responsiveness
- Security warnings from your IT department
- Incompatibility with new integrations or plugins your organization is using
If you notice these, checking for updates should be your first step.
If an Update Fails or Causes Problems
Restart your device — this resolves most update-related issues.
Reinstall Teams — if an update leaves your app unstable, uninstalling and downloading a fresh copy from Microsoft's official site or your app store often works.
Contact your IT department — if you're on a work account and updates aren't working as expected, your organization's support team can investigate whether policies are interfering or if your device needs specific configuration.
Key Takeaway
For most users, Teams updates happen automatically and invisibly. You don't need to do anything. But if you're managing a work device, troubleshooting an outdated version, or part of an organization with controlled rollouts, knowing how to manually check for and install updates gives you control when you need it. Your specific update experience depends on your device type, how your organization manages software, and whether you've customized your auto-update settings.
