How to Fix Microsoft Teams Crashing When Downloading Files
Question details
The user is experiencing application crashes in the new Microsoft Teams client whenever attempting to download files.

- Product
- Microsoft Teams
- Device & OS
- Windows 10
- Scenario
- Downloading files shared within chats or channels in the new Microsoft Teams client.
- Observed behavior
- The new Teams application crashes completely during file downloads, and traditional fixes like reinstalling, restarting Windows, or changing the download folder do not resolve the issue. Classic Teams remains unaffected.
Ensure you save any ongoing work or unsent messages in Teams, and verify your internet connection to avoid partial file corruptions during troubleshooting.
Clear Microsoft Teams Cache and Update Software
Clearing corrupted temporary files and ensuring your software is up to date often resolves sudden crashes in the new Teams client.
Corrupted cache files in the background can interfere with the file download process in the new Teams update, leading to sudden client closures.
Right-click the Microsoft Teams icon in your Windows system tray (bottom right corner of the taskbar) and select 'Quit' to ensure no background processes are running.
Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Type '%localappdata%\Packages\MicrosoftTeams_8wekyb3d8bbwe' (for new Teams) and press Enter. Delete the contents of the LocalCache folder.
Navigate to Windows Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click 'Check for updates' and install any pending system patches.
Relaunch Teams, click the three dots (Settings and more) next to your profile picture at the top right, and select 'Check for updates'. Let the application download the latest fixes and test a file download again.

Revert to Classic Microsoft Teams as a Workaround
Since the issue is prevalent in the new Teams update, reverting to Classic Teams provides a reliable temporary fix for downloading files.
Report the Version Specific Issue to Microsoft Support
If troubleshooting fails, reporting your specific client and build versions helps Microsoft release a targeted patch.
Experience Stable Document Management with WPS Office
Dealing with constant app crashes when managing or downloading files can severely disrupt your workflow. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly stable alternative to Microsoft Office. It offers a secure environment for opening, editing, and saving your important documents, spreadsheets, and presentations without unexpected interruptions.
- 1. Download and install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free, lightweight installer and easily set up the software on your Windows PC.
- 2. Open your downloaded files: Once your files are safely downloaded from Teams or emails, launch WPS Office to open Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF documents instantly.
- 3. Edit and save securely: Enjoy a highly stable editing experience without worrying about unexpected crashes, and save your work securely to your local drive or cloud storage.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the new Microsoft Teams crash only when downloading files?
This specific crash is often caused by a software bug in the new Teams client's file handling process, or corrupted local cache data that conflicts with Windows 10 file explorer operations during the save prompt.
Will reinstalling Teams fix the downloading crash issue?
In many cases reported by users, simply reinstalling or changing the download folder does not resolve this specific file download crash. Clearing the local cache or reverting to Classic Teams is typically more effective until a Microsoft patch is released.
Where are Microsoft Teams downloaded files saved by default?
By default, Microsoft Teams saves your downloaded files to the 'Downloads' folder on your Windows PC, which is usually located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Downloads.
How do I find my Microsoft Teams version number for technical support?
Click the three dots (Settings and more) next to your profile picture at the top right of the Teams window, go to 'Settings', and click on 'About Teams'. Here you can view both your Teams version and client build numbers.




