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Teams Desktop App vs Microsoft 365 App

This article will describe the differences between the two most common M365 Teams users; the M365 Teams Desktop App and the online version of Teams within M365.

Recommendation

It is our recommendation that you download and install the Microsoft Teams desktop app instead of using the Teams web app within M365.

For more information on how to locate/install the app on a computer please see the respective instructions below based on your operating system:

Spot the Difference

Teams Desktop App and O365 Side by Side

In the image on the left we see the Teams desktop app and on the right we see the online version. The differences are pointed out in the following table:

Desktop App (Installed)

 M365 App (Online)

Recommended by UITS for full functionality

Not recommended by UITS for full functionality

The M365 Teams app icon is open in your task bar at the bottom of your screen

*Note: Both the Teams app and web browser are open and highlighted in this image*

Your preferred web browser app icon is open in your task bar at the bottom of your screen

*Note: Both the Teams app and web browser are open and highlighted in this image*

There is no URL box or tabs.

You will see a URL box above the Teams search bar.

There is no option to download the desktop app.

There is a button to download desktop app in the bottom left corner of your screen.

Forward and back arrow buttons in the top left corner of the window.

App launcher is in the top left corner of the window.

 

Clues That You Are Using the Web User

If you are unsure if you are using the recommended Teams desktop app or the M365 web user, here are a few clues that you can use to troubleshoot:

  • If there is a website URL above your Teams Search bar you are using the web version of Teams.
  • If you had to choose Teams from a grid of other M365 apps then this is a clue you are using the web user.
  • Instead of having your back and forward buttons, you will see your App launcher. If you click on this it reveals a drop down menu with other M365 apps such as OneDrive, Outlook, SharePoint and Word.
  • There is a button in the bottom left corner that says, Download Desktop App. Feel free to click this button and install the Teams app. For more information check out the following KBs depending on your operating system:
    1. Windows
    2. Mac
  • You have the browser app icon (Ex. Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari) currently selected (highlighted/shaded icon) in your task bar at the bottom of your screen instead of the Teams app icon.

Below are two images highlighting the various clues discussed in this section:

Office365 Home


Teams Office365

Limited control of settings

In addition to having some minor cosmetic and functional differences on the surface, you can also tell you are using the desktop version of Teams vs the online Office 365 version by which settings you are able to control. It is also important to mention that if you are using Office 365 some of your settings will be limited by your browser and may appear different than what you see in this document. The following images point out significant differences in the Settings capabilities:

 

Teams Windows App Settings

Above: This image is taken from the settings panel in the M365 Teams desktop app. Here you have the option to adjust settings on how your app interacts with your computer based off of your preferences and working needs. On the left you have the following setting categories: General, Privacy, Notifications, Devices, Permissions, and Calls.

 

Teams O365 Settings

Above: This image is taken from the settings panel in the online M365 Teams App. As you can see you only have the option to adjust the following settings: General, Privacy, Notifications, Calls. Additionally, setting adjustments may be limited depending on the browser used. (Image taken from Google Chrome)

 

As you can see, there are less settings in the online version as opposed to the desktop version. This is why we recommend that you install and use the desktop version of M365 Teams.

Teams on the Go

Want to stay connected on the go? Install the mobile app on any Android or IOS phone or tablet!