The independent teams-for-linux project is an Electron desktop wrapper for the Teams web client. I notice the key distinction: Microsoft documents web and PWA access, while teams-for-linux is an independent project.
Compare the browser and PWA options Microsoft provides for Linux. Then see what each option gives you when you open Teams.
What is Microsoft Teams on Linux?
Microsoft’s current Linux option is Teams for the web, which you can use in a supported desktop browser or install as a progressive web app (PWA). A PWA is still a website running in the browser’s security sandbox, but it gets its own app window and can be pinned to your desktop.
Microsoft documents PWA installation for Edge and Chrome in its Teams PWA documentation. Its client requirements also list Teams for Web on Linux in Edge, Chrome and Firefox, so use Firefox for the website but choose Edge or Chrome when you specifically want the installed PWA.
| Route | What you install | Who maintains it |
|---|---|---|
| Teams for Web | A browser tab | Microsoft |
| Teams PWA | A browser-installed app window | Microsoft, hosted by Edge or Chrome |
| teams-for-linux | An Electron desktop wrapper for Teams web | Independent project, not Microsoft |
I chose the PWA as the main route because Microsoft documents it for Linux. The community wrapper is an optional alternative, not an official Microsoft client.
Prerequisites for Teams on Linux
For the browser route, you need an internet connection and a Microsoft account that can access the Team or meeting. Your organization may need to enable Teams for a work or school account.
- For an installed PWA, use a current desktop version of Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. If needed, follow our instructions to install Microsoft Edge on Linux or install Google Chrome on Debian.
- For the optional desktop wrapper, install Snap support first. The command below adds the community-maintained teams-for-linux package, not Microsoft software.
- Allow the browser or wrapper to use your microphone and camera when you join calls. Teams features can depend on your account, organization settings and browser permissions.
Install Teams as a browser app on Linux
The browser route avoids installing a package that claims to be Microsoft’s Linux client. Microsoft’s download page sends Linux users to Teams for the web, and Microsoft documents PWA installation through Edge or Chrome.
Step 1: Open Teams in Edge or Chrome
Open teams.microsoft.com in Edge or Chrome and sign in with the account you use for Teams. If your organization manages the account, choose its work or school sign-in when prompted.
Step 2: Install the Teams PWA
Use the browser’s install-app control in the address bar, or open its menu and choose the option to install the site as an app. The wording changes between browser versions, so confirm that the site shown is Teams before accepting.
The browser adds an app entry for Teams, which you can pin to your desktop or launcher.
Install the unofficial teams-for-linux client
If you specifically want an Electron window with Linux desktop integration, the independent teams-for-linux project wraps the Teams web client. It is not published or supported by Microsoft, and its behavior depends on the web service and the wrapper project.
Step 1: Install the Snap package
With Snap enabled, install the stable Snap from its current store listing:
sudo snap install teams-for-linux
Step 2: Launch the desktop app
Open teams-for-linux from your desktop’s application menu and sign in to the Teams web client. If you use your organization’s managed account, confirm that its access policy allows the independent wrapper before signing in.
Snap packages are managed separately from DEB and RPM packages. Our guide to using Snaps on Linux explains that route.
If you prefer a distro package, follow the upstream project’s current instructions and our guides to installing DEB files on Ubuntu or installing RPM packages.
The wrapper does not turn the web client into a Microsoft-maintained native application. The upstream project’s README notes that Electron’s context isolation and sandbox are disabled to enable Teams DOM access, so review its current security and privacy guidance before using it with a managed account.
Verify Teams access and fix common issues
If audio, video or notifications fail, check the browser’s site permissions first. Then open a chat or meeting you are allowed to access.
| What you see | What to check |
|---|---|
| No install-app option | Use Edge or Chrome for the PWA. Teams can still open as a website in a supported browser. |
| Teams opens but denies access | Confirm the account type and ask your work or school administrator whether Teams is enabled. |
| No microphone or camera | Allow the relevant device in browser site permissions and check the desktop privacy controls. |
| Meeting sharing or media fails | Check browser support and permissions first. The wrapper adds another packaging layer if meeting media still fails. |
Do not run the command sudo apt install teams as a replacement for these routes. Microsoft’s current Linux documentation names web and PWA access, not a Linux Teams package with that name.
Use the browser route when support matters
For a Microsoft-documented Linux setup, open Teams for the web first, then install it as a PWA in Edge or Chrome if you want a separate app window. Choose the wrapper only when its independent maintenance and extra desktop integration fit your needs.
- Open Microsoft Teams on the web and sign in with your work, school or personal account.
Microsoft Teams on Linux questions
Can I install Microsoft Teams on Linux?
Microsoft documents Teams for Web and the Teams progressive web app for Linux. Install the PWA through Edge or Chrome, or use Teams in a supported browser.
Can I use Teams in Firefox on Linux?
Microsoft lists Teams for Web support in Firefox on Linux. Its PWA installation instructions name Edge and Chrome, so use one of those browsers if you want an installed PWA.
Is teams-for-linux an official Microsoft app?
No. teams-for-linux is an independent Electron wrapper for the Teams web client. Microsoft does not publish or support that wrapper.
Why can’t I sign in to Teams on Linux?
Check whether you selected the correct personal or work or school account. If an organization manages the account, its administrator may need to enable Teams or adjust access settings.