How To Install Microsoft Teams on Linux Mint 22

Microsoft Teams has become an essential communication platform for businesses, students, and individuals across the globe. It brings together chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and collaborative workspaces in one unified interface. However, many users wonder if this tool can function smoothly on an Ubuntu-based distribution such as Linux Mint 22. Despite Microsoft’s transition to a Progressive Web App (PWA) for Teams on Linux, there are multiple effective approaches to install and run Teams on Linux Mint 22 today. This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know to get Microsoft Teams up and running, including various installation methods, configuration options, and troubleshooting tips. By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with a fully functional Microsoft Teams experience on your Linux Mint 22 system.

This tutorial aims to remain as comprehensive and straightforward as possible. In the sections below, you will find step-by-step instructions, prerequisites to ensure smooth setup, and detailed methods on how to install Microsoft Teams in different ways. We will also explore advanced tasks like configuring Teams audio and video devices, discuss known constraints, and illustrate how to remove Teams if needed. Whether you are a seasoned Linux enthusiast or a newcomer transitioning from Windows or macOS, these steps will help you integrate Microsoft Teams seamlessly into your Linux Mint workflow.

Prerequisites

Before initiating the installation of Microsoft Teams on Linux Mint 22, confirm the following prerequisites:

1. Updated System: Update your Linux Mint 22 system. This helps avoid possible conflicts by ensuring that packages and repositories are current. You can run:

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

   This step ensures that you have the latest stable versions of essential software components on your machine.

2. Sufficient Disk Space: Confirm that you have at least a few hundred megabytes of free disk space. Although Teams is not extremely large, adequate space can help avoid package installation failures.
3. Administrative Privileges: You need a user account with sudo rights to install packages and configure the system. Standard user accounts without elevated privileges may not be able to proceed with installations or repository additions.
4. Stable Internet Connection: A reliable network connection is vital for downloading packages and for using Microsoft Teams, especially for video conferences and file sharing.

Once you verify these points, you can proceed with any of the following installation approaches that best suits your workflow and preferences. All the methods described are suitable for Linux Mint 22, which is based on the latest Ubuntu LTS release.

Method 1: Installing Teams as a Progressive Web App (PWA)

One of the simplest ways to use Microsoft Teams on Linux Mint 22 is by utilizing the Progressive Web App version. Since the native Linux client’s development has been discontinued by Microsoft, the remaining official path is to run Teams in a web browser and optionally install it as a PWA.

Step 1: Install or Update Your Preferred Browser

For the best experience, consider using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, both of which support PWA installation. You can also use Chromium, a fully open-source alternative. Below is an example of how to install Edge on Linux Mint 22:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install microsoft-edge-stable

If you prefer Google Chrome, you can download the .deb package from the official website or install Chromium from the Software Manager.

Step 2: Access Microsoft Teams Web

After setting up your browser of choice, navigate to https://teams.microsoft.com/. Sign in using your Microsoft account credentials. If you use a corporate, educational, or personal Microsoft account, just provide the relevant username and password.

Step 3: Install Teams as PWA

Most modern browsers allow creating a PWA shortcut for websites that offer progressive web functionality:

• Look for an Install or App button in your browser’s address bar. In Edge, it often appears as a small plus (+) icon in the URL bar. In Chrome, check the three-dot menu for an option like Install Teams or Create shortcut.
• Select the Install or Create Shortcut option, then confirm any prompts. For many browsers, choose “Open as window” to have a standalone Teams PWA instance.

With these steps, you effectively “install” a local copy of the Teams web client. You can launch Microsoft Teams from your application menu or from an icon pinned to your panel, just like a native application.

Benefits and Considerations

Utilizing the Teams PWA offers a lightweight experience separate from your browser tabs. It also remains up to date without manual intervention. However, certain functionalities like virtual background effects may be limited compared to native clients on Windows or macOS. Still, this approach is often the quickest and most straightforward for Linux Mint 22 users.

Method 2: Using Teams-for-Linux via Flatpak

Although the official Linux client for Microsoft Teams is no longer actively supported by Microsoft, the open-source community offers solutions to keep a desktop app experience alive. One alternative is teams-for-linux, which packages the Teams web application into an Electron-based desktop client. This is available as a Flatpak from Flathub, making it easy to install on Linux Mint 22.

Step 1: Enable Flatpak Support

Linux Mint 22 typically comes with Flatpak support already enabled. If for any reason it is missing, install the Flatpak package:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install flatpak

Verify that Flathub is configured:

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

Step 2: Install Teams-for-Linux

With Flatpak and Flathub in place, install the teams-for-linux package:

flatpak install flathub com.github.IsmaelMartinez.teams_for_linux

When prompted, accept any runtime dependencies.

Step 3: Launch and Configure the Application

Once installed, open the application from the Mint menu by searching for “teams” or “teams-for-linux.” Upon the first launch, you will be prompted to sign in with your Microsoft account. You should see an interface similar to the standard Teams layout.

Here are some usage and customization tips:

• Pin to Panel: Right-click on the Teams-for-Linux icon in the panel to pin it for quick launch.
• Enable Notifications: If you want native Linux notifications, head to the application’s settings to make sure system notifications are correctly configured.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Access the settings or press Ctrl + , to see or manage your shortcuts, such as muting your microphone or toggling video.

Why Consider Flatpak?

Using a Flatpak for Teams means the application is contained within its own runtime environment. This often results in fewer dependency conflicts. It also makes updating and uninstalling more straightforward, as Flatpaks do not rely on system-wide dependencies in the same way as native .deb packages.

Method 3: Using the Linux Mint Software Manager

Linux Mint 22 features a curated Software Manager that simplifies finding and installing applications. Depending on repository availability, you can directly search for teams-for-linux or similar packages within this graphical interface.

Step 1: Open Software Manager

Click on the Linux Mint menu in the bottom-left corner of your desktop and type in Software Manager. Launch it.

Step 2: Search for Microsoft Teams

Type “microsoft teams” or “teams-for-linux” into the Software Manager’s search box. Wait for the results to populate. You might see entries like teams or teams-for-linux.

Step 3: Install the Chosen Package

Click on the package name to see a detailed description. Select Install. You may need to confirm your sudo password if prompted. Once installation completes, the new app will appear in your applications menu under the Internet or Office category.

Verification

After successful installation, search for “Teams” in the menu or press Alt + F2 and type teams. Launch the app, enter your login credentials, and enjoy the familiar interface for chats, channels, calls, and more. Checking for updates in the Software Manager regularly helps ensure you’re always using the latest packaging of Teams.

Method 4: Terminal Installation Using .deb Packages

For those who enjoy command-line tasks, installing Microsoft Teams (or its community builds) can be done by directly downloading a .deb package. This process provides precise control over which version you install and is a nice approach if you prefer more direct, manual methods.

Step 1: Download the .deb Package

Open your terminal and use wget or curl to download the .deb file either from official Microsoft sources (if available) or from trusted community repositories. For instance:

wget https://some-repository/teams-for-linux_amd64.deb -O teams.deb

Adjust the URL as necessary to match the latest stable release.

Step 2: Install the Package

Run the following command:

sudo apt install ./teams.deb

Using apt with the ./ syntax handles dependencies automatically if they are available in the default repositories. If any dependency issues occur, run sudo apt –fix-broken install or consider adding missing repositories.

Step 3: Repository Addition (Optional)

If you prefer an official Microsoft Teams repository for automatic updates (when it was actively supported), you can add it by placing the following lines in your /etc/apt/sources.list.d/teams.list:

deb [arch=amd64] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/ms-teams stable main

Keep in mind that official Linux development for Teams is no longer continued, but older instructions floating online still reference adding the Microsoft repository. This can help maintain a degree of system integration if legacy builds are still served.

Configuration and Setup

Once Microsoft Teams or an equivalent client is successfully installed, you can configure the application to suit your preferences. Here are a few key areas to pay attention to so that your system behaves exactly as you intend:

Initial Launch and Sign-In

• Open Microsoft Teams from your applications menu or from the pinned icon. Enter your Microsoft (Work, School, or Personal) username and password.
• Teams may prompt you to select your organization or confirm your account. Accept any usage policies if required.

Audio and Video Configuration

Once inside Teams, ensure that your microphone, speakers, and webcam are functioning correctly:

• Device Settings: In Teams, head to Settings > Devices to review your speakers, microphone, and camera. You can run a test call to confirm audio clarity.
• PulseAudio or PipeWire: On Linux Mint 22, audio commonly runs via PipeWire or PulseAudio. If you encounter low-volume or no input, use the Audio Mixer to adjust levels.
• Permission Checks: Confirm that you have granted Teams permissions to access your webcam and microphone when prompted.

Screen Sharing

Screen sharing is widely used for presentations and remote support. Make sure the following steps are taken:

• Click Share at the top of your Teams window during a call.
• Select the entire screen, a specific application window, or a browser tab (for PWAs).
• Ensure that the Window Manager in Mint allows screen capture. Typically, no extra changes are needed in Mint’s default Cinnamon environment.

Notification Settings

Managing notifications effectively is key:

• System Tray Integration: Check if the app displays a system tray icon so you can see important alerts at a glance.
• Do Not Disturb (DND) Mode: If you want to focus, enable DND in Teams or system-wide in Linux Mint. This hides pop-up messages temporarily.

Features and Limitations

With Teams installed on Linux Mint 22, users can utilize the core functions:

• Chats and Channels: Exchange messages, post announcements, and share emojis or GIFs in real-time.
• Audio/Video Meetings: Organize and join virtual conferences, online classrooms, or personal group calls.
• File Sharing: Share documents and multimedia directly within channels or chat windows.
• Collaboration Tools: Integrate with OneDrive or SharePoint for file storage and version control.

Still, there can be some Linux-specific limitations:

• Virtual Background Effects: Advanced video backgrounds or blur effects may be absent or partially working.
• Offline Mode: Teams might not launch in offline mode, requiring an active connection to sign in or access features.
• Resourced Electron Apps: Some Electron-based variants like teams-for-linux use extra RAM compared to native solutions, although performance is typically acceptable on modern hardware.

Troubleshooting Guide

Even after a successful installation, you could run into certain issues. Here are a few common problems and solutions to keep your Microsoft Teams environment on Linux Mint 22 stable:

1. Blank Screen After Launch

• Press Ctrl + R or select “Refresh” to reload the Electron view if you are using the teams-for-linux build.
• Try clearing local cache folders like ~/.config/Teams for Linux if the blank screen persists.

2. Audio or Microphone Not Working

• Check Input and Output devices in your system’s Audio Settings. Ensure the correct microphone or speaker is selected.
• If using PulseAudio, run pavucontrol to manage advanced device selection and volume controls.

3. Camera Issues

• Confirm that your webcam is correctly recognized by the system with lsusb or v4l2-ctl --list-devices.
• Within Teams, go to Settings > Devices > Camera and confirm your selected device. Test with an application like Cheese or GUVCView to confirm the camera is functioning system-wide.

4. App Freezes or Crashes

• Attempt launching the Teams client from a terminal to observe any error messages. Example:

  teams-for-linux
  

• If the app remote repository is out of date, remove it and reinstall the package from an updated source like Flathub or Snap Store.

5. Login or Authentication Failures

• Double-check your internet connection and corporate firewall settings, especially if your workplace imposes strict network policies.
• If multi-factor authentication (MFA) is enabled, ensure you are completing the additional login step on your phone or security token.

Uninstallation Instructions

If you decide that you no longer wish to use Microsoft Teams on Linux Mint 22, follow these steps to remove it:

Method 1: Uninstall Using Software Manager

• Open the Software Manager.
• Search for “teams” or “teams-for-linux.”
• Click Uninstall and follow prompts to remove it.

Method 2: Terminal Removal

• Deb Package Removal: sudo apt remove teams or sudo apt remove ./teams.deb
• Flatpak Removal: flatpak uninstall com.github.IsmaelMartinez.teams_for_linux

After uninstalling, you can verify by searching your application menu to see if Teams is gone. Check any lingering config files in your ~/.config or ~/.local/share directories if you want a thorough cleanup.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Microsoft Teams. Thanks for using this tutorial to install the latest version of Microsoft Teams on Linux Mint 22. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Microsoft Teams website.