Your Teams video call keeps dropping on Windows 11, often after a few minutes of stable connection. This usually happens because of network instability, outdated graphics drivers, or Teams power-saving settings. In this article, you will learn the exact steps to diagnose and fix these causes so your calls stay connected.
We will cover checking your network, updating drivers, adjusting Teams settings, and using Windows 11 tools to stabilize the connection. You will also see a comparison of the new Teams desktop app versus the web version to help you choose the most reliable option.
Key Takeaways: Fix Teams Video Call Drops on Windows 11
- Settings > Devices > Cameras: Disable hardware acceleration to reduce GPU-related call drops.
- Device Manager > Display adapters: Update your graphics driver to fix video encoding crashes.
- Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings: Reset your network stack to clear IP conflicts.
- Teams admin center > Meetings > Meeting policies: Enable “Allow video” and “Allow IP video” to prevent policy blocks.
Why Teams Video Calls Drop on Windows 11
Teams video calls require a stable upload bandwidth of at least 1.5 Mbps for HD quality. When your network fluctuates, Teams automatically lowers video quality, and if the connection drops below the minimum threshold, the call disconnects. Windows 11 power-saving features can also throttle your Wi-Fi adapter or GPU, causing video frames to freeze and the call to drop.
Another common cause is an outdated graphics driver. Teams uses your GPU to encode and decode video. If the driver is buggy, the video stream may crash, forcing the call to end. Additionally, Teams policies set by your IT admin can block video or limit bandwidth, leading to drops.
Network Congestion and Wi-Fi Interference
Your router may be overloaded with other devices, or your Wi-Fi signal may be weak. Use a wired Ethernet connection or move closer to the router. Also, check if other apps are uploading large files during your call.
Windows 11 Power Throttling
Windows 11 may reduce the performance of your network adapter or GPU when on battery. This can cause video frames to drop. Set your power plan to Best Performance for reliable calls.
Steps to Diagnose and Fix Teams Call Drops
Follow these steps in order. Each step addresses a specific cause. After each step, test a video call to see if the issue is resolved.
- Check your network speed and stability
Open a web browser and go to speedtest.net. Run a test and note your upload speed. If it is below 1.5 Mbps, restart your router. Also, close any apps that are uploading or downloading large files, such as cloud sync clients or torrents. - Switch to a wired connection
If you are on Wi-Fi, plug an Ethernet cable into your PC. This eliminates wireless interference and gives you a stable connection. If you must use Wi-Fi, move closer to the router and remove obstacles. - Update your graphics driver
Press Win + X and select Device Manager. Expand Display adapters, right-click your GPU, and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers. Restart your PC after updating. - Disable hardware acceleration in Teams
In Teams, click your profile picture at the top right, then Settings > Devices. Under Cameras, toggle off Hardware acceleration. Restart Teams. This reduces GPU load and prevents video crashes. - Reset the network stack in Windows 11
Open Command Prompt as administrator. Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter. Then type netsh int ip reset and press Enter. Restart your PC. This clears IP conflicts that can cause drops. - Set Windows power plan to Best Performance
Open Settings > System > Power & battery. Under Power mode, select Best performance. If you are on a laptop, plug in the charger to avoid throttling. - Check Teams meeting policies
If you are an IT admin, go to the Teams admin center > Meetings > Meeting policies. Ensure that Allow video and Allow IP video are set to On. If you are a user, ask your admin to verify these settings.
If You Still Experience Drops After These Steps
Try using the Teams web app instead of the desktop app. The web version handles video differently and may work better on your network. Also, update Teams to the latest version by clicking your profile picture > Check for updates.
If Teams Still Drops Calls After the Main Fix
Teams Shows “Poor Network” Warning Before Dropping
This means your upload speed is insufficient. Reduce video quality in Teams settings: go to Settings > Devices and set Video resolution to 480p. This lowers bandwidth usage and stabilizes the call.
Call Drops Only When Screen Sharing
Screen sharing requires more bandwidth. Close unnecessary apps and disable background recording software. In Teams, go to Settings > Devices and turn off Hardware acceleration for screen sharing.
Teams Drops Calls After Windows 11 Update
A recent Windows update may have changed network settings. Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history and uninstall the latest update if the issue started after installing it. Then check for a new Teams update.
New Teams Desktop vs Teams on the Web: Key Differences
| Item | New Teams Desktop | Teams on the Web |
|---|---|---|
| Resource usage | Uses more RAM and CPU | Uses less RAM, but depends on browser |
| Video stability | Better with hardware acceleration | Can be more stable with browser enhancements |
| Features | Full feature set, including advanced meeting controls | Most features, but some admin controls missing |
| Updates | Automatic via Teams | Updates with your browser |
You can now fix Teams call drops by following the steps above. Start with the network check and driver update, as these solve most cases. Then adjust Teams settings to reduce GPU load. If the issue persists, test the web app to see if the desktop app is the problem.
For a long-term solution, consider using a wired connection and keeping your drivers updated monthly. Also, enable the “Meet Now” feature to test your setup before important calls. This helps you catch issues early.