Microsoft Teams is a popular communication tool used by many on Windows 11. Sometimes, it can cause your computer to slow down due to high CPU usage. This issue can be frustrating, especially when you need Teams for work or study.
Fortunately, there are several simple ways to fix high CPU usage caused by Microsoft Teams. This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow steps to help improve your PC’s performance.
Each step includes clear explanations so you understand why it matters. By following this guide, you should be able to reduce the CPU load and get Teams running smoothly again.
Let’s start with some quick checks before moving on to the fixes.
Quick Note: What to Check Before Fixing High CPU Usage
- Restart Teams and Your PC: Sometimes, a simple restart of the app or the entire system clears temporary glitches causing high CPU usage.
- Check for Windows Updates: Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.
- Check Your Internet Connection: Poor or unstable internet can cause Teams to behave inefficiently, increasing CPU usage.
- Close Other Apps: Running many programs at once can overload your CPU, making Teams slower.
Step 1: Clear Microsoft Teams Cache
Teams stores temporary files called cache to speed up its performance. However, sometimes this cache gets corrupted and causes high CPU usage. Clearing it can help.
- Close Microsoft Teams completely. To do this, right-click the Teams icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner) and select Quit.
- Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
%appdata%MicrosoftTeamsand press Enter. This will open the Teams cache folder. - Delete all files and folders inside this directory. Don’t worry; Teams will recreate necessary files when you open it again.
- Restart Microsoft Teams and check if CPU usage improves.
Clearing the cache removes old or damaged files that may cause Teams to use more CPU than needed.
Step 2: Disable Hardware Acceleration in Teams
Hardware acceleration allows Teams to use your computer’s GPU to improve performance. However, on some systems, it can cause high CPU usage instead.
- Open Microsoft Teams.
- Click your profile picture in the upper-right corner and select Settings.
- Go to the General tab.
- Find the option Disable hardware acceleration and check the box.
- Restart Teams to apply the change.
Disabling hardware acceleration forces Teams to rely on the CPU in a more stable way, which can reduce spikes in CPU usage.
Step 3: Update Microsoft Teams
Running an outdated version of Teams can cause performance issues. Updating ensures you have the latest fixes and improvements.
- Open Microsoft Teams.
- Click your profile picture and select Check for updates.
- Teams will automatically download and install updates if available.
- Restart the app after updating.
Keeping Teams up to date helps prevent bugs that may increase CPU usage.
Step 4: Limit Background Apps and Startup Programs
Sometimes, other apps running in the background compete for CPU resources. Reducing unnecessary programs can help Teams run better.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup tab.
- Right-click any programs you don’t need to start automatically and select Disable.
- Restart your PC.
This frees up CPU power for Teams and other important apps.
Step 5: Reinstall Microsoft Teams
If none of the above steps work, reinstalling Teams can fix corrupted files or settings causing high CPU usage.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Find Microsoft Teams in the list and click the three dots next to it.
- Select Uninstall and confirm.
- After uninstalling, visit the official Microsoft Teams website to download and install the latest version.
This clean install often resolves stubborn CPU usage problems.
Alternative Method: Use the Web Version of Microsoft Teams
If the desktop app continues to cause issues, you can try the web version of Teams. It runs in your browser and usually uses fewer resources.
Simply go to teams.microsoft.com, log in, and use Teams without installing the app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does Microsoft Teams use so much CPU?
Teams uses CPU for video calls, screen sharing, and syncing messages. High CPU usage can happen due to bugs, outdated software, or corrupted cache files.
Is it safe to clear the Teams cache?
Yes, clearing the cache only removes temporary files. Teams will recreate these files automatically without affecting your data.
Can other apps cause high CPU usage with Teams?
Yes, running many apps simultaneously or resource-heavy programs can increase overall CPU usage, affecting Teams performance.
Will disabling hardware acceleration affect Teams performance?
It might slightly reduce graphic performance, but it often improves stability and reduces CPU spikes on problematic systems.
How often should I update Microsoft Teams?
Teams updates regularly. It’s a good idea to check for updates once a week or enable automatic updates when available.
When Nothing Works
If you still experience high CPU usage after trying all the steps, consider the following:
- Check Microsoft’s Official Support: Visit the Microsoft Teams support page for the latest help and troubleshooting guides.
- Contact Your IT Department: If you use Teams at work or school, they might have specific settings or solutions.
- Consider Hardware Upgrade: Older PCs may struggle with modern apps. Adding more RAM or upgrading your CPU can improve overall performance.
Conclusion
High CPU usage by Microsoft Teams on Windows 11 can slow down your computer, but it is often fixable with simple steps. Start by clearing the cache and disabling hardware acceleration, then keep Teams updated and manage background apps.
If problems persist, reinstalling Teams or using the web version can help. Always ensure your system is updated and check for other resource-heavy programs.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can enjoy smoother Microsoft Teams performance and a faster Windows 11 experience.