When you click the Teams icon on the Windows taskbar, the app opens, then immediately signs you out. You have to enter your password and multi-factor authentication code every single time. This usually happens because the Teams shortcut points to the wrong executable or because cached sign-in data is corrupted. This article explains the root cause and gives you step-by-step fixes to make Teams stay signed in.
Teams signs out repeatedly when launched from the taskbar due to a mismatch between the shortcut target and the actual Teams app, or because the app’s local cache holds invalid tokens. The fix involves clearing the cache and repairing the shortcut. Below you will find the exact steps to resolve this issue on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Key Takeaways: Fix Teams Sign-Out Loop from Taskbar
- Clear Teams cache folder %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams: Removes corrupted token files that force sign-out.
- Right-click taskbar icon > Unpin from taskbar: Removes the broken shortcut that points to the wrong app.
- Launch Teams from Start menu: Recreates a valid shortcut and restores your sign-in session.
Why Teams Signs Out When Launched From the Taskbar
The taskbar shortcut for Teams is a simple link to an executable file. When you pin Teams to the taskbar, Windows stores the exact path to that executable. If the path changes, for example after a Teams update, the shortcut may point to an old or missing file. When you click the icon, Windows tries to run that old executable. That executable may be a leftover from a previous installation, and it does not share the same sign-in state as the new Teams app. As a result, the app opens but cannot find a valid session, so it signs you out.
Another common cause is corrupted cache data. Teams stores your sign-in tokens in a local folder. If that folder contains broken files, Teams cannot read your credentials. The app then treats you as a new user and forces a sign-in. This is not a network problem; it is a local data problem.
The Role of the Teams Cache Folder
Teams uses the folder %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams to store temporary files, logs, and authentication tokens. Over time, these files can become corrupted, especially after a forced shutdown or a failed update. When the cache is damaged, Teams may not recognize your previous sign-in. Clearing this folder forces Teams to rebuild it from scratch, which often fixes the sign-out loop.
Steps to Fix Teams Signing Out From the Taskbar
Follow these steps in order. Start with the cache clear, then repair the shortcut. If the problem persists, reinstall Teams.
Method 1: Clear the Teams Cache
- Close Teams completely
Right-click the Teams icon in the system tray near the clock and select Exit. Then open Task Manager with Ctrl+Shift+Escape and end any process named Teams or ms-teams. - Open the File Explorer and enter the cache path
Press Windows+R, type %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams, and press Enter. This opens the Teams data folder. - Delete the contents of the folder
Select all files and folders inside. Press Ctrl+A, then press Delete. Confirm if prompted. Do not delete the Teams folder itself, only its contents. - Restart Teams
Open Teams from the Start menu. Teams will create a fresh cache. Sign in with your work account. Then test the taskbar icon.
Method 2: Unpin and Repin the Taskbar Icon
- Unpin the current icon
Right-click the Teams icon on the taskbar and select Unpin from taskbar. If the icon is not there, skip to the next step. - Launch Teams from the Start menu
Click the Start button and type Teams. Select the Teams app from the list. Wait for it to open and sign in successfully. - Pin the new instance
While Teams is open, right-click its icon in the taskbar and select Pin to taskbar. This creates a fresh shortcut with the correct executable path. - Test the new shortcut
Close Teams completely. Then click the taskbar icon to relaunch. Check if you stay signed in.
Method 3: Repair or Reinstall Teams
- Uninstall Teams
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Find Microsoft Teams, click the three-dot menu, and select Uninstall. Confirm and wait for the process to finish. - Delete leftover Teams folders
Open File Explorer and go to %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams. Delete that folder. Also check %localappdata%\Microsoft\Teams and remove it if present. - Reinstall Teams
Go to the Microsoft 365 admin center or the official Teams download page and install the latest version. Sign in with your work account. - Pin the fresh install
After signing in, right-click the Teams icon in the taskbar and select Pin to taskbar. Test the icon.
If Teams Still Signs Out After the Main Fix
Teams Opens a Blank Window After Clearing the Cache
Clearing the cache removes all local files, including your profile picture and settings. The first launch after clearing may be slow. Wait up to two minutes. If the window stays blank, close Teams and restart it. This usually rebuilds the interface.
Teams Signs Out Only When You Use the Taskbar Icon, Not the Start Menu
This indicates the taskbar shortcut still points to an old executable. Repeat Method 2 and make sure you unpin the icon before launching from the Start menu. If the problem continues, use Method 3 to reinstall.
Teams Asks for Multi-Factor Authentication Every Time
This is often a conditional access policy in your tenant. Check with your IT admin. If the policy requires re-authentication after a short period, the sign-out is expected. In that case, the fix is to adjust the policy, not the app.
Taskbar Shortcut vs Start Menu Shortcut for Teams
| Item | Taskbar Shortcut | Start Menu Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Target path | Can become stale after updates | Always points to the current install |
| Sign-in state | May use old cache tokens | Uses the current user profile |
| Pinning behavior | Requires manual repin after reinstall | Automatically updated by the installer |
| Recommended use | Only after verifying the target path | Preferred for first launch |
The taskbar shortcut is convenient, but it can break after a Teams update. The Start menu shortcut is more reliable because Windows updates it automatically. If you prefer the taskbar, always repin after a reinstall.
After following the steps above, you can launch Teams from the taskbar without being signed out every time. Start by clearing the cache, then repin the icon. If the issue persists, reinstall Teams and pin the fresh install. As a final tip, check your tenant’s conditional access policies with your IT admin to rule out a security requirement.