How to fix
Teams error code 80070003
on Windows

Yesterday I installed MS Office and for some reason, I can't make Teams work - I keep getting error code 80070003. What does that mean and how can I bypass it?

Microsoft Teams has become very important for businesses and remote workers, helping people join video calls, chat, and collaborate across different devices. However, like other apps, Teams sometimes experiences issues that stop it from working properly.

One common problem is error code 80070003, which usually appears when Teams cannot connect to Microsoft’s servers, often occurring when logging in, starting a meeting, or using certain features of Teams, significantly slowing down productivity.

Error code 80070003 in Microsoft Teams shows up when syncing or updating files fails. It means Teams cannot get to or change files. Why? The path to the file might be wrong. Maybe the files are gone. The files might only be hard to reach for a short time.

80070003  error is particularly frustrating because it doesn’t provide clear information on what’s wrong, leaving users to troubleshoot multiple potential causes. Even restarting the app or computer may not always resolve the issue if it's tied to deeper configuration or internet-related problems.

To fix the 80070003 error, various solutions can be attempted, including resetting Teams' cache, adjusting firewall and network settings, or checking if the internet connection is blocked. Sometimes, reinstalling or updating Teams can resolve the issue.

Some users prefer fixing deeper problems with system tools like [d1] - they can automatically repair the issues causing connectivity problems, helping Teams function smoothly again.

Fix 1. Clear the Teams cache

Clearing the Teams cache helps remove temporary files that may have become corrupted, which can cause the error. This ensures that Teams can access the latest, correct files.

• 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).
• Restart your system.

Fix 2. Verify date and time settings

Incorrect system date and time settings can interfere with syncing and cause error code 80070003. 

• Type in Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter.
• Go to Clock and Region and click on Date and Time.
• Pick the Internet Time tab and select Change Settings.
• Make sure that the Synchronize with an Internet time server box is ticked.
• Click Update now and OK.

Fix 3. Update Microsoft Teams

Running an outdated version of Teams can cause syncing issues and lead to errors. Updating the app ensures that all the latest bug fixes are applied.

• Open Microsoft Teams.
• Click on the Settings and more button at 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. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

If error 80070003 is related to system file issues or failed updates, running the Windows Update Troubleshooter may help resolve any underlying problems.

• Type Troubleshoot into the Windows search bar and press Enter.
• Next, on the right side of the window, select Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Scroll down to locate the Windows update option and click on it.
• Click on Run the troubleshooter/Run and allow the process to complete.
• Once it is finished, implement any recommended fixes and restart your system.

Fix 5. Repair or reset Microsoft Teams

If the Teams app is corrupted or misconfigured, repairing or resetting it can help resolve the error by restoring its default settings.

• Click on Start and pick Settings.
• Go to the Apps section.
• Locate Microsoft Teams from the list.
• Click on the three vertical dots and pick Advanced options.
• Click Terminate to ensure that the app is not running.
• Under the Reset section, click Repair and see if that solved your issue.
• If not, then try the Reset option.

Fix 6. Reinstall Microsoft Teams

Reinstalling Teams removes any corrupted files and ensures that the latest version of the app is properly installed, which can fix the error.

• 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 7. Perform Check disk

File system errors can prevent Teams from accessing certain data, causing error 80070003. Running a disk check can identify and fix these issues.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• In the User Account Control window, click Yes.
• In the new window, type in the following command and press Enter after:
  chkdsk c: /f
  (Note: use chkdsk c: /f /r /x command if you are using SSD as your primary partition. Also, replace c: with another drive letter if you are not using default)
• If you receive an error, type in Y, close down Command Prompt, and restart your computer.
• Wait till the scan is finished.

Fix 8. Ensure file paths and permissions are correct

If Teams cannot access specific files due to incorrect file paths or permissions, this can trigger the error. Ensuring the correct file access resolves this issue.

• Navigate to the directory where Teams stores files (%appdata%\Microsoft\Teams by default).
• Right-click the folder, select Properties, and go to the Security tab.
• Ensure that your user account has full control permissions.
• Apply the changes and restart Teams to see if the error is resolved.