How to Fix “Teams Unknown User” Error on Microsoft Teams

Menzi Sumile

Have you encountered the frustrating “Teams Unknown User” notification on Microsoft Teams? This known issue can manifest as new users appearing as “Unknown Users” in chats or team names not displaying correctly. 

We’ll examine the potential causes and provide practical solutions to resolve this problem, ensuring a seamless collaboration experience within Teams.

What is Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams is a collaborative platform integrated into the Microsoft 365 productivity suite. It offers a comprehensive workspace for team communication, including chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and app integration. The “unknown user” bug issue within Teams is a recognized glitch that can occur for various reasons.

How to Fix this Known Issue: “Teams Unknow Users”

teams unknown user

Clear Teams Cache

  • Close Teams apps
  • Press Win + R: To open the Run dialog, press the Windows key and “R” simultaneously.
  • Type %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams
  • Highlight all files and folders inside.
  • Press “Shift + Delete” to permanently remove them

or

  • Go to C:\Users\<Your staffNumber>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Teams
  • Delete all files and folders in the Teams Directory
  • Restart Teams.

Sign out User from all Devices

Teams Unknown User
  • Go to Microsoft 365 Admin Center by visiting admin.microsoft.com and logging in with your administrator credentials. 
  • Left-hand menu, go to “Users” or “Active users.” 
  • Locate the user you wish to sign out from all devices and select them. 
  • Sign out the User from all devices in the Account section.

Check Windows Update

windows update: Teams Unknown User"
  • Open Settings.
  • Go to Windows Update ( lower left portion of Settings page )
  • Make sure that your Windows is up to date. If not.
  • Click on Check for updates or Download and Install Updates.

Restart Your Windows PC

Here are the short steps to restart a Windows PC in bullet points:

  • Click the Start button
  • Select the Power icon
  • Click “Restart”
restart PC

Or, an even shorter version:

  • Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete
  • Select “Restart”

Conclusion

 Addressing the “Teams Unknown User” error on Microsoft Teams requires a systematic approach to clearing the cache, signing out users from all devices, and ensuring current Windows updates. By following these steps diligently, users can mitigate the frustration caused by the glitch and restore seamless collaboration within Teams. 

Remember, Microsoft Teams serves as a vital hub for communication and productivity, and resolving such issues promptly is crucial for maintaining efficiency in team workflows. So, whether you’re a seasoned user or new to the platform, tackling these challenges head-on ensures a smoother experience for all involved.

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About the author
Menzi Sumile
About the author | Menzi Sumile
On-page SEO, Proofreader, and Content/SEO Writer located in the Philippines, with over four years of experience in Blog Content Management and On-page SEO.

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