To use Microsoft Teams on Linux, the official and recommended option is the PWA (Progressive Web App), which works as a standalone application from the browser (Edge, Chrome) and offers notifications.
You can also choose to run it directly in a browser, which would be like a "light version" of the previous option.
We discourage the native desktop version for some Debian or Fedora distributions, as it was discontinued by Microsoft in 2023 and does not offer all current features.
Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) are, essentially, web applications that leverage modern web capabilities to offer an experience similar to that of a native application. They are designed to be reliable, fast and engaging, regardless of network conditions or the device used.
Key features of PWAs:
- Installability: Users can “install” a PWA directly from their web browser, adding it to the desktop or app drawer, similarly to a native application.
- App-like feel: PWAs can offer features such as offline access, push notifications and access to device hardware, all running in their own dedicated window, without the browser’s address bar or tabs.
- Discoverability: PWAs can be found through search engines and linked directly, similarly to traditional websites.
- Reliability: Service workers, an essential component of PWAs, allow them to load instantly, even with poor or no network connectivity, by caching critical resources.
- Adaptability: PWAs are designed to fit any form factor, whether a desktop, tablet or mobile device.
For Linux users, the PWA model offers a particularly attractive solution. It avoids the complex and varied installation processes of traditional desktop applications, which can be a friction point for some members of the Linux community. Instead, it provides a simplified browser-based installation, which is familiar and efficient, from which we can expect:
- Seamless integration with the desktop environment: The PWA will run in its own window, behaving as a first-class application within the Linux desktop environment. This means it can be pinned to the dock or taskbar, accessed via application launchers and managed with the system’s window management tools.
- Improved performance and responsiveness: Although running in a browser context, PWAs are optimised for performance. The Teams PWA is designed to offer a more agile and responsive experience compared to simply having a browser tab open.
- Native-like features: Crucially, the PWA seeks to replicate many of the features present in native desktop applications. This includes:
- Push notifications: Receive alerts for new messages, mentions and meeting invitations directly on the desktop, without requiring the browser window to be active.
- Offline capabilities (to some extent): Although real-time collaboration requires connectivity, PWAs can cache data, allowing access to some information or performing some actions even with intermittent connectivity.
- Background operation: The Teams PWA can continue running and receiving notifications even when minimised or when switching to other applications.
- Dedicated window: Enjoy a distraction-free experience in an exclusive window, separate from other browser tabs.
- Simplified installation and updates: Installing the Teams PWA is as simple as visiting the Teams web app and clicking the installation prompt. Updates are managed automatically via the web service, ensuring you always have the latest version without manual intervention.
This move by Microsoft demonstrates a growing commitment to the Linux user base, recognising its increasing importance in both personal and professional environments.
Step-by-step installation guide:
- Open your preferred browser:
Launch Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome on your Linux system. - Access the Microsoft Teams web app:
In the address bar, type teams.microsoft.com and press Enter. - Sign in to your account:
If you haven’t signed in yet, you will be prompted to enter your Microsoft Teams credentials. You should use your personal UPM account. - Look for the installation prompt:
Once signed in and the Teams web app has loaded, watch for a subtle prompt within the browser. This prompt usually appears in one of the following locations:- Icon in the address bar: In some cases, a small monitor or download icon may appear at the end of the address bar, indicating that the site is installable. Clicking it typically offers the option “Install Microsoft Teams”.
- Browser menu: You can also find the option in the browser’s main menu (usually represented by three dots or lines). Navigate to “Apps” or “Install [App Name]” to find the installation option.
- In Chrome, it is usually under the three-dot menu > “Save and share” > “Install Microsoft Teams”.
- In Edge, it is under the three-dot menu > “Apps” > “Install this site as an app”.
- In Chrome, it is usually under the three-dot menu > “Save and share” > “Install Microsoft Teams”.
- Icon in the address bar: In some cases, a small monitor or download icon may appear at the end of the address bar, indicating that the site is installable. Clicking it typically offers the option “Install Microsoft Teams”.
- Confirm the installation:
A dialog box will appear requesting confirmation to install “Microsoft Teams”. Click “Install” or “Confirm”. - The application window opens:
The Microsoft Teams PWA will launch in its own dedicated window, separate from your main browser. An icon may also appear in your application launcher or desktop dock. - Pin to taskbar/dock (optional):
For even quicker access, you can now pin this new Teams app to the taskbar or dock, just like you would with any other native application.