Why do I have two versions of Teams?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Hey friend! As a fellow gaming enthusiast, you may have noticed two Microsoft Teams app icons on your Windows desktop and wondered why. Well, let me clear up the confusion!

The default Microsoft Teams app that comes pre-installed on Windows 11 is intended for personal use with your individual Microsoft account. This lets you chat 1-on-1 with friends, organize game nights, coordinate multiplayer sessions – all the good stuff.

The second Microsoft Teams app is typically deployed on enterprise machines by a company‘s IT administrators. This enterprise version of Teams unlocks extra collaboration features for workplace productivity, integrates with business apps like SharePoint, and IT controls your access and security policies.

Key Differences Between Personal and Enterprise Teams

FeaturePersonal TeamsEnterprise Teams
Sign-inMicrosoft personal accountWork/school accounts via Azure AD
Use caseChat with friends & familyWorkplace collaboration
FeaturesBasic chat, calls, meetingsFull capabilities + IT management

So in summary – two very different tools for two distinct use cases!

Why Microsoft Designed Separate Apps

Instead of building one mammoth Teams app try to cram in personal and enterprise scenarios, Microsoft wisely chose to create two dedicated apps:

  • Microsoft Teams (personal) – Optimized for informal chat with friends
  • Microsoft Teams (enterprise) – Unlocked for workplace productivity

Think about it – all those complex integrations with SharePoint, Intune etc. would only get in the way of casual gamers wanting to schedule play time with their buddies!

According to Microsoft‘s own figures, Teams now has over 270 million monthly active personal users versus 168 million monthly active business users. So there‘s clear data showing distinct use cases.

Can I Remove One of the Teams Apps?

If you, like me, mainly use Teams for gaming and personal chat, then feel free to remove the enterprise Teams app installed by your work IT department – you won‘t miss any fun features! No harm keeping both though.

However, if you need Teams for work collaboration, be sure to check with your IT administrators before removing the enterprise Teams app they customized for your organization. They likely rely on that app to manage security policies, authentication, integrations with other work apps and so on.

Well, hope this clears up the mystery around the two Teams icons! Let me know if you have any other questions! Now excuse me, my gaming clan beckons…cheers!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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