How to fix
Microsoft Teams error 5nlhg
on Windows

I tried to log in to Teams on a different PC and, for some reason, I keep getting "Something went wrong [5nlhg]" error. Could you help me here?

Microsoft Teams Windows error 5nlhg appears during sign-in with the message Something went wrong. [5nlhg] after credentials have been entered. The issue denies users access to important Teams functionality like meetings, messaging, and file sharing.

Reddit users report login failure despite straightforward fixes like restarting or reinstalling the app. Some note that the problem is cross-device; one may be able to log in via the web but not the desktop app, suggesting a client-side issue. This article offers fixes to mend the error for hassle-free collaboration.

Microsoft Teams is an essential collaboration tool for enterprises, schools, and individuals to provide chat, video meetings, file sharing, and app integrations to help communicate and work more effectively. It's necessary for remote workplaces, virtual classrooms, and team projects and reaches millions.

Despite its utility, Teams can be beset by issues that disrupt functionality. Common problems include connection messages after inactivity or inability to message Skype for Business due to platform incompatibilities. The sign-in errors generally occur because of authentication or network issues, and error tag 5nlhg is one such example.

The 5nlhg error tag usually relates to authentication problems because Teams is unable to authenticate your Microsoft account. It may be the result of corrupted sign-in data in Windows Credential Manager, old versions of Teams, or networking issues that hinder communication with Microsoft servers.

Organizational setups, including Azure Active Directory (AAD) environments, may interfere, especially with federated sign-in. System issues, including corrupted files or third-party software interference, may also be the culprit. Troubleshooting steps include clearing cached credentials, updating Teams, and repairing system components.

The following are eight fixes to resolve the 5nlhg error and access Teams again. For a quick fix, use [d1], a PC repair tool that will automatically repair system file corruption, credential problems, and other Windows issues resulting in this logon failure.

Fix 1. Sign out and sign back into Teams

Temporary authentication glitches can prevent Teams from verifying your account, leading to sign-in errors. Signing out and back in refreshes the session and may resolve the issue.

• Open Microsoft Teams.
• Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner.
• Select Sign Out.
• Close Teams completely and restart it.
• Sign in again with your correct credentials.

Fix 2. Clear Teams cache

Corrupted cache files can interfere with Teams’ sign-in process, causing errors like 5nlhg. Clearing the cache forces Teams to rebuild these files with fresh data.

• Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
• Ensure Hidden files are visible.
• In the address bar, type in %appdata%\Microsoft\teams and press Enter.
• Delete the contents of the following folders:
  %appdata%\Microsoft\teams\application cache\cache
  %appdata%\Microsoft\teams\blob_storage
  %appdata%\Microsoft\teams\Cache
  %appdata%\Microsoft\teams\databases
  %appdata%\Microsoft\teams\GPUcache
  %appdata%\Microsoft\teams\IndexedDB
  %appdata%\Microsoft\teams\Local Storage %appdata%\Microsoft\teams\tmp
• Make sure you empty the Recycle Bin (or use Shift + Del combination to delete these files).
• Reboot your device.

Fix 3. Update Teams to the latest version

An outdated Teams app might have compatibility issues with Microsoft servers, leading to sign-in failures. Updating ensures you have the latest fixes for authentication.

• Open Microsoft Teams.
• Click on the Settings and more button in the top-right corner.
• Select Check for updates.
• Teams will automatically download and install any available updates.
• Restart Teams after the update is completed.

Fix 4. Clear cached credentials

Corrupted credentials stored in Windows can confuse Teams during sign-in, causing the error. Clearing them removes problematic entries and allows a fresh login attempt.

• Log off from Microsoft Teams.
• Type Credential Manager in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select Windows Credentials.
• Locate and remove any stored credentials related to Microsoft Teams.
• Restart Teams and re-enter your login details.

Fix 5. Check network connectivity

Network issues, such as unstable connections, can block Teams from reaching Microsoft servers, resulting in sign-in errors. Verifying your connection can help.

Windows 11

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select Other troubleshooters.
• Find Network & Internet troubleshooter from the list and select Run.
• Wait till the process is finished and apply the offered fixes.
• Restart your computer.

Windows 10

• Right-click on Start and pick Settings.
• Go to Network & Internet section.
• On the right side, find the Advanced network settings section.
• Click Network troubleshooter, specify the problem, and wait till the scan is finished.
• When done, apply all the recommendations.

Fix 6. Use Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant

One helpful tool for resolving problems with Microsoft apps, including Teams, is the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant.

• Open your browser and download Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant from the official Microsoft support page.
• Install the software as per instructions and then launch it.
• Select Teams from the list and click Next.
• Pick I can't sign-in to Teams when asked to select the problem you are facing, then click Next.
• Follow the prompts to finalize the process.

Fix 7. Reinstall Teams

If Teams’ installation is corrupted, it might fail to authenticate properly. Reinstalling it ensures a fresh setup of all components.

• Type Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter.
• Go to Programs > Uninstall a program.
• Find Microsoft Teams, right-click, and select Uninstall.
• Follow the prompts to remove the app.
• Once done, press Win + E to open File Explorer.
• In the View tab at the top of the window, enable Hidden Files.
• Go to C:\Program Files\WindowsApps location.
• Scroll down to find the Microsoft Teams folder and delete it (alternatively, you can rename it).
• Now type %AppData% in Windows search and press Enter.
• Delete the Teams folder here.
• Finally, restart your system and reinstall the app.

Fix 8. Re-register Windows with Azure AD

Windows may misidentify active accounts if Azure AD registration is done incorrectly.  The device's connection to the organization's directory is renewed upon re-registration.

• Right-click on Start and pick Settings.
• Go to Accounts > Access work or school.
• Click Connect and select Join this device to Azure Active Directory.
• Enter your work credentials and follow the prompts to re-register.
• Restart your computer and test the sign-in process.