Microsoft Teams, a well-known, widely-used workspace and collaboration platform, offers a range of features such as voice calls, video conferences, messaging, and file-sharing. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, Teams is an excellent choice for seamless communication and efficient collaboration. However, before diving into the world of Microsoft Teams, you’ll need to download and set it up. This guide will walk you through the process.

Downloading Teams on Your Desktop

The simplest way to get Microsoft Teams is by downloading and installing it on your desktop. Visit teams.microsoft.com/downloads and follow the easy steps to download and install the application. Windows users don’t require admin permissions, while Mac users will need them. IT professionals have the option to control the distribution of installation files to their company’s devices using tools like JAMF Pro for macOS or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager for Windows. However, individual users are responsible for installing future updates.

You can install the desktop client on the following systems:

• Windows: Windows 11, Windows 10 (excluding Windows 10 LTSC for Teams desktop app), Windows 10 on ARM, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2012 R2.
• Mac: The three most recent versions of macOS (currently macOS Ventura, Monterey, and Big Sur). Please note that once a new macOS version is released, the oldest version will no longer support Microsoft Teams.

Downloading Teams on Your Mobile Device

For users who prefer accessing Microsoft Teams on their mobile devices, there are dedicated iOS and Android apps available. iPhone users can download the Teams app from the App Store here. Remember that only the two most recent major versions of Apple’s mobile operating system are supported. Android users can find the app on the Google Play Store here. The Teams app is compatible with the four most recent major versions of the Android operating system. In regions where the Play Store or App Store isn’t accessible, smartphone companies provide their own application marketplaces. For example, in China, Xiaomi, Huawei, and Baidu users can find Microsoft Teams in their respective stores. To ensure you have a seamless experience, always download and update the app directly from your mobile platform’s app store.

Using the Microsoft Teams Web Client

If you prefer not to download or install anything, Microsoft Teams offers a browser-based web client to access all features. Simply use your preferred browser to access Teams. The web client supports several browsers, including:

• Internet Explorer 11
• Microsoft Edge (RS2 or later, including Chromium-based versions)
• Google Chrome (latest three versions)
• Safari
• Firefox (latest three versions)

The Teams web browser client uses webRTC for meetings and calls, eliminating the need for additional downloads or plugins. However, make sure cookies are enabled in your browser. While the web version lacks certain features available in the desktop client, such as control of shared material during screen sharing and background blurring, it has its advantages. Users whose desktop clients don’t support Microsoft Teams can still join meetings using the web client as long as they meet the minimal hardware requirements. For instance, Linux users can join Teams meetings on Firefox.

Upgrade to a Paid Account

Microsoft Teams offers a free version with some limitations, including restricted storage, one-hour maximum meeting duration, and a maximum of 100 participants per meeting. However, for more comprehensive features, upgrading to a paid account is recommended. Paid accounts provide up to 1TB of cloud storage per user, extended meeting durations, increased participant limits, and access to meeting recordings and transcripts. The pricing for premium Microsoft Teams plans starts at $4.00 per user per month for Microsoft Teams Essential, $6 for Microsoft 365 Business Basic Plan, and $12.50 for Microsoft Business Standard. These plans typically require an annual commitment. Moreover, Microsoft Teams is included with Microsoft Office 365 subscriptions, which offer a suite of Office apps and services.

To upgrade from a free Microsoft Teams account to a paid version, simply open your Teams app, select “Upgrade,” enter your login email address, and purchase the plan that suits your needs.

Regardless of whether you’re a free or paid user, and irrespective of your device choice, Microsoft Teams will be readily available to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration. Just follow these instructions to download the app and start reaching new heights with Teams.