How to set the background on Teams

In today’s remote working environment, video conferencing tools have become an integral part of our professional lives. Microsoft Teams, one of the most widely used collaboration platforms, offers a range of features to enhance virtual meetings. One such feature is the ability to customize your background, allowing you to hide any distractions and present a more professional appearance. In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting the background on Teams.

Step 1: Launch Microsoft Teams
The first step is to open the Microsoft Teams application on your computer. If you haven’t downloaded it yet, visit the official Microsoft website and follow the instructions to download and install the application.

Step 2: Join a Meeting or Start a New One
Once you have launched Teams, you must join an existing meeting or start a new one. If you want to test the feature, you can also organize a meeting with a test account or join a meeting with someone else.

Step 3: Adjust Video Settings
Before joining a meeting, click on your profile picture at the top right-hand corner of the Teams interface. A drop-down menu will appear, where you should select “Settings.” In the settings menu, click on “Devices” in the left-hand panel. Here, you will find the option to “Camera,” where you can access various settings related to video input. Ensure that your camera is set up correctly and select the appropriate camera if you have more than one connected to your computer.

Step 4: Choose or Add a Background
Once your camera is configured, navigate to the meeting interface. In the meeting controls at the bottom of the screen, locate the “More Actions” button, which is represented by three dots. Click on it, and another menu will appear. From this menu, select “Show Background Effects.”

Step 5: Explore Background Options
By clicking on “Show Background Effects,” a panel will open on the right side of the screen, displaying a range of pre-set background images. You can scroll through the available options and preview them by clicking on each thumbnail. Select the background that suits your preferences by clicking on it. Note that these pre-set backgrounds are updated by Microsoft periodically, so you may find new options over time.

Step 6: Upload Your Own Background
If you want to use a custom background, Teams allows you to upload an image of your choice. To do this, click on the “+” icon on the top right corner of the panel displaying the pre-set backgrounds. This will open a file explorer window where you can browse your computer for the desired image. Once you have chosen your image, click “Open” to upload it. Teams will adjust your video feed to apply the selected background.

Step 7: Adjust Background Settings
Teams also offers additional options to fine-tune your background appearance. Below the list of pre-set backgrounds, you will find a slider labeled “Blur.” By adjusting this slider, you can control the level of blurriness applied to your background, effectively hiding any clutter or personal details without replacing it completely. Additionally, Teams provides a “Preview” button to see how you look before joining the meeting. Make sure to use this option to ensure your background appears as intended.

Step 8: Join or Start the Meeting
Once you have selected or uploaded your background and made any desired adjustments, you are ready to join the meeting. Click on the “Join” button or start your own meeting, and your selected background will be visible to other attendees.

Customizing your background on Teams can help create a more professional and polished appearance during virtual meetings. Whether you choose to use one of the pre-set options or upload your own image, this feature adds a touch of personalization and eliminates distractions, contributing to a more productive and visually appealing virtual environment. So, go ahead and experiment with different backgrounds to find what works best for you!