Install Microsoft Teams on Ubuntu Linux

Yes, you can install Microsoft Teams on Ubuntu Linux. The easiest method is to download the official .deb package from Microsoft’s website and install it with the apt command, or use the Snap package from the Ubuntu Software store. This guide covers both methods, plus Flatpak, and explains how to fix common issues.

Background: Why Teams on Linux?

Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that combines chat, video meetings, file storage, and application integration. For years, Linux users had to rely on a web browser to access Teams, which was a poor experience—especially for screen sharing and performance. In 2019, Microsoft released a native Teams client for Linux, and in 2023 they replaced it with a new, faster version built on the same framework as the Windows and macOS apps. This new version is available for Ubuntu 20.04 and later (64-bit only).

Today, you have three main ways to install Teams on Ubuntu: the official .deb package (recommended), Snap, or Flatpak. Each has its pros and cons, which we’ll cover so you can choose the right one.

Method 1: Install via .deb Package (Official)

This is the most straightforward method and gives you the exact same build that Microsoft distributes. You’ll get automatic updates through Ubuntu’s software updater.

Open a terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T).
Download the latest .deb file from Microsoft’s official Teams download page. As of this writing, the URL is https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2240043 for the 64-bit .deb. You can also use wget in the terminal:

wget https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2240043 -O teams.deb

Install the package using apt (which handles dependencies automatically):

sudo apt install ./teams.deb

Once installed, launch Teams from the applications menu or by typing teams in the terminal.

If you prefer a graphical approach, you can double-click the downloaded .deb file in the file manager, and Ubuntu’s Software Center will handle the installation.

Method 2: Install via Snap

Snap is Ubuntu’s native package format. The Teams snap is published by Microsoft and is kept up to date automatically in the background.

Open a terminal.
Run:

sudo snap install teams

That’s it. The snap will appear in your applications menu. To remove it later, use sudo snap remove teams.

Note: The snap version runs in a sandbox, which means it may have limited access to some system features (like certain file paths). For most users, this is fine. If you have issues with file access or notifications, consider the .deb method.

Method 3: Install via Flatpak

Flatpak is another universal package system, popular on Fedora and other distributions, but it works on Ubuntu too. The Teams Flatpak is also maintained by Microsoft.

If you don’t have Flatpak installed, run:

sudo apt install flatpak

Add the Flathub repository (where the Teams package lives):

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Install Teams:

flatpak install flathub com.microsoft.Teams

You can then run it with flatpak run com.microsoft.Teams or find it in your app menu.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

.deb package: Best for most users. It integrates with Ubuntu’s update system, has no sandbox restrictions, and is the same package Microsoft tests. Recommended if you want the most reliable experience.
Snap: Good if you prefer automatic background updates and don’t mind a slightly slower first launch. It’s also easier to install if you’re not comfortable with the command line (just search “Teams” in the Ubuntu Software app).
Flatpak: Useful if you already use Flatpak for other apps, or if you’re on a non-Ubuntu distro. On Ubuntu, it’s an extra step with no major benefit over the .deb.

All three versions are the same app, so features and performance are identical. The choice is mostly about how you like to manage software.

Common Problems and Fixes

Even with a smooth install, you might run into a few issues. Here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

Teams won’t start: If you installed the .deb and clicking the icon does nothing, try launching from the terminal with teams. You’ll see error messages. A common fix is to install missing dependencies: sudo apt --fix-broken install.
No sound or microphone: Teams uses the PulseAudio sound system. If you have no audio, check your system sound settings first. If that works, try restarting Teams. If using a headset, make sure it’s selected in Teams’ device settings (Settings > Devices).
Screen sharing shows a black screen: This is a known issue with some graphics drivers. Try switching to Xorg instead of Wayland (log out, click the gear icon on the login screen, choose “Ubuntu on Xorg”). Also, update your graphics drivers.
Notifications not working: For the .deb version, ensure that “Notifications” is enabled in Ubuntu’s system settings for Teams. For Snap, you may need to connect the notifications interface: sudo snap connect teams:notifications.
Teams is slow or laggy: The new Teams client is lighter than the old one, but if it’s still slow, try disabling hardware acceleration in Teams’ settings (Settings > General > Disable hardware acceleration).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Microsoft Teams free to use on Ubuntu?

Yes, the Teams client itself is free to download and use. You can sign in with a free Microsoft account or a work/school account. Some advanced admin features require a paid Microsoft 365 subscription, but the basic chat, calls, and meetings are free.

Can I install Teams on Ubuntu 18.04 or older?

Officially, Microsoft supports Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and later. On older versions, the .deb package may fail to install due to missing dependencies. You can try the Snap version, which bundles its own dependencies, but it may still not work on very old systems. It’s best to upgrade to a supported version.

How do I completely uninstall Teams from Ubuntu?

If you installed via .deb, run sudo apt remove teams. To also remove configuration files, use sudo apt purge teams. For Snap, use sudo snap remove teams. For Flatpak, use flatpak uninstall com.microsoft.Teams.

Does the Linux version of Teams have all the features of the Windows version?

Mostly, yes. The new Teams for Linux is a near-feature-parity client. It includes chat, meetings, file sharing, and most apps. Some advanced admin controls and certain integrations (like some third-party apps) might be missing, but for everyday use, it’s complete.

Why does Teams ask for a password every time I open it?

This is usually because your keyring is locked. The keyring stores your login credentials. To avoid being prompted, you can set a blank password for the keyring (not recommended for security) or configure it to unlock automatically when you log in. Search for “Passwords and Keys” in Ubuntu and change the keyring password to your login password.

Can I use Teams without installing it, via the web browser?

Yes, you can use Teams in a web browser at teams.microsoft.com. It works on Ubuntu, but the experience is less polished: screen sharing is limited, and you may have issues with multiple monitors. Installing the native app is recommended for the best experience.

Final Thoughts

Installing Microsoft Teams on Ubuntu is a simple process, and you have several reliable options. The .deb package is the most straightforward and well-tested, while Snap offers easier updates. Whichever you choose, you’ll have a fully functional Teams client that keeps you connected with colleagues and friends. If you run into issues, the troubleshooting steps above should cover 90% of problems. For anything else, Microsoft’s official support forums are a good next stop.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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