This quick‑start guide shows how to install Microsoft Teams on CentOS 9 Stream without getting stuck by the wrong package format. It explains that a Debian .deb file fails on RPM‑based systems and then walks through adding Microsoft's repository, including key import and dnf configuration. Once the repo is set up, a single sudo dnf install -y teams pulls in all dependencies, and launching Teams from the terminal or application menu lets users sign in immediately. For sandboxed installations it offers a Flatpak path, notes how to cleanly uninstall the client, and warns that a minimal system may need the X Window System group installed to provide libX11.so.6.

Installing Microsoft Teams on CentOS 9 Stream: A Quick‑Start Guide

If the only thing that’s been stopping you from joining your coworkers on Teams is a half‑finished install, this article will get it working in less time than it takes to brew coffee.

Why the usual .deb trick fails

On CentOS 9 Stream, downloading the Debian package and running dpkg throws a wall of “no such file or directory” errors because the package format is wrong for RPM‑based systems. I’ve seen users waste an entire afternoon trying that approach before realizing the solution is much simpler.

Add Microsoft’s Teams repository

Adding the repo keeps your installation up to date without manual downloads every time a new version ships.

sudo rpm --import https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc
sudo dnf config-manager --add-repo https://packages.microsoft.com/yumrepos/ms-teams

Why it matters: The key import authenticates the packages, and pointing dnf to the Microsoft repo means future upgrades come through your standard package manager.

Install the Teams client

With the repository in place, installing is just one command:

sudo dnf install -y teams

Why it matters: dnf resolves all dependencies automatically—no need to hunt down libX11, libXScrnSaver, or other missing pieces.

Launch Teams

After the install finishes, you can start Teams from the terminal:

teams

or find it in your application launcher under “Communication.” The first run may prompt you to sign in; just enter your work or school credentials and you’re in.

Alternative: Flatpak (if you prefer sandboxing)

If adding a repo feels risky, install Teams via Flatpak:

sudo dnf install flatpak
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
flatpak install -y flathub com.microsoft.Teams

Launch with flatpak run com.microsoft.Teams.

Why it matters: Flatpak packages ship all their dependencies, so you’re less likely to hit a missing library bug.

Removing Teams

If you ever need to uninstall, just reverse the steps:

sudo dnf remove teams # for repo installation
# or
flatpak uninstall com.microsoft.Teams # for Flatpak

No leftover cruft should remain.

Common hiccup: “Could not load libX11.so.6”

This usually happens when you’re running a minimal installation of CentOS that lacks the X Window System libraries. Install them with:

sudo dnf groupinstall "X Window System"

Afterward, re‑run dnf install teams.