Microsoft Teams
`MSTeams` is the MSIX package for the current Microsoft Teams desktop client on Windows.
since 0.9.8.11
Purpose
Identifier: MSTeams
Setup Foundry removes this app package by default from existing user accounts and from provisioning for new accounts.
MSTeams is the MSIX package for the current Microsoft Teams desktop client on Windows. It is distinct from the former classic Teams client and from the separately registered Microsoft Teams Meeting Add-in for Outlook.
The app provides chats, teams and channels, meetings, audio and video calls, notifications, and access to files made available through Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint. It can be used with personal Microsoft accounts and, subject to licensing and organizational policies, with work or school accounts.
Teams can start at sign-in and continue running in the background to receive notifications, incoming calls, and meeting reminders. Meeting URLs and protocol links registered for Teams can open the desktop client directly.
Notes
Additional effects
The desktop client integrates with Microsoft 365 and Outlook. The separately installed Microsoft Teams Meeting Add-in can schedule Teams meetings from classic Outlook. Removing MSTeams does not necessarily uninstall that add-in. Without the Teams desktop client, links created by the add-in can still direct users to the web experience, but they can no longer open in this app.
Files displayed in Teams are generally stored in OneDrive or SharePoint. They are not part of the app package and are not deleted when the package is removed.
Privacy and security
When Teams is used, it processes the account, contact, chat, channel, meeting, and calling data required for the selected services. Audio, video, shared-screen content, and transferred files are sent to Teams and Microsoft 365 services as required by the feature being used.
Client diagnostic data is separate from this service content. It can include details such as the app and operating-system versions, application language, enabled features, crashes, and connection or call-performance measurements. For personal use, Microsoft states that the documented diagnostic data does not contain the user’s name, email address, or file contents. Available controls and the amount of diagnostic data differ between personal accounts and managed work or school accounts.
After removal, the local Teams client cannot run in the background or send its own operational and diagnostic data to Microsoft. Removing the package does not erase chats, files, account information, recordings, or other content already stored by the Teams service. Organizational retention policies are also unaffected.
Effects of the change
Microsoft Teams is no longer available as an installed Windows app. Its Start menu entry is removed, and any remaining pinned icon or shortcut cannot launch the app. Automatic startup, the taskbar presence, desktop notifications, and the ability to receive Teams calls through this client are also lost.
Teams-specific links can no longer be handed to the removed package. Meeting links can still be opened in a supported browser when permitted by meeting and organizational policies. Teams on the web can also provide access to chats, channels, files, and other features, although some capabilities and integrations can differ from the desktop client.
General file associations for Office documents are not removed. Only registrations belonging directly to the Teams package cease to be available.
Because Setup Foundry also removes the provisioned package, Teams is not automatically registered from that provisioning source when a new user account first signs in. Microsoft 365 Apps, device-management software, or a later Windows or organizational deployment can independently install Teams again.
The app can be installed again from Microsoft Store while Microsoft continues to offer it there. Signing in again restores access to content that remains in the Teams service.
Notes
The technical name MSTeams identifies the current MSIX-based Teams client. Classic Teams installations, the Teams Machine-Wide Installer, and the Microsoft Teams Meeting Add-in are separate components and are not covered solely by removing this package.
Microsoft documentation
Microsoft Learn: Bulk deploy the Microsoft Teams desktop client
Microsoft Learn: Uninstall the Teams client
Microsoft Learn: Policy control overview for Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Support: Diagnostic data in Microsoft Teams for personal use
Microsoft Store: Microsoft Teams