How to Change Background on Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams has become a key tool for everyday communication, whether for work, learning, or personal calls. How you appear on camera plays an important role in these interactions, especially in professional settings. 

Adjusting your background is a simple way to improve privacy, reduce distractions, and present yourself more clearly. Microsoft Teams offers built-in options and custom background features that are easy to use. 

In this blog, we’ll explain how to manage your background settings confidently for a better video call experience.

Let’s start!

Why Changing Your Background in Microsoft Teams Matters?

Your background in Microsoft Teams plays a bigger role than many people realise. It forms part of your on-screen presence and can influence how others perceive you during a video call. Whether you are joining from home or a shared space, a suitable background helps keep the focus on you rather than your surroundings.

In professional situations, a clean or branded background can support a more polished and organised appearance. It helps create a consistent visual setting for meetings, interviews, and presentations, especially when working remotely. 

In learning or training environments, a neutral background can also reduce distractions and improve concentration. For informal calls, background changes allow for a more relaxed and personal touch. 

Overall, adjusting your background is a simple way to control your virtual environment and improve the quality of online interactions.

What Are the Benefits of Changing Your Background on Microsoft Teams?

Changing your background is a simple adjustment that can improve how you appear on video calls while making meetings more comfortable and focused.

Improved Privacy

Not everyone wants their home environment visible on camera. A virtual background helps hide personal surroundings. This keeps your private space separate from work or study calls.

More Professional Appearance

A clean background creates a more polished look during meetings. It avoids visual clutter that can distract others. This is especially useful for business or formal discussions.

Opportunity for Personal Style

Backgrounds can reflect your personality in a refined way. Whether calm or creative, they allow self-expression without speaking. This works well in informal or team-based calls.

Fewer Visual Distractions

Busy backgrounds can distract from the conversation. A simple background keeps focus on the speaker. This helps meetings stay clear and productive.

What Are the Basic Requirements Before Changing Your Microsoft Teams Background?

Before you start customising your video call background, a few basic checks are worth making to avoid issues during meetings. Your Microsoft Teams app should be fully updated, as background features work best on the latest version. Device compatibility is also important. 

Most modern laptops, desktops, and smartphones support background changes, but older devices may struggle. A stable internet connection helps maintain clear video quality, especially when using custom images. Your webcam must also be working correctly, as background options only appear when video is enabled.

How to Change Your Background Before Joining a Microsoft Teams Meeting? Step-by-Step Guide

Setting your background in advance helps you join meetings looking prepared and professional from the start.

• Open the Microsoft Teams application and select the meeting you are about to join from your calendar.
• Before entering the meeting, locate the background settings option on the pre-join screen, usually near the microphone and camera controls.
• Click on the background settings icon to view available options, including blur effects, built-in images, or the option to upload your own.
• Preview different backgrounds to see how they appear on camera and choose the one that suits your setting.
• Once satisfied, confirm your selection and join the meeting with your chosen background applied.

Following these steps helps to understand “how to change background on Microsoft Teams” quickly and hassle-free.

How to Change Your Background During a Microsoft Teams Meeting?

You can change your background during a Microsoft Teams meeting at any time without interrupting the call or distracting other participants. Follow the steps below to update your background seamlessly while the meeting is in progress.

Access Settings

While you’re in the meeting, move your mouse to the top or bottom of the screen to display the meeting controls. Click on the three dots labelled More actions to open the settings menu.

Select ‘show background effects’

From the menu, choose Show background effects. This will open the background settings panel, allowing you to adjust your visual background without leaving the meeting.

Pick a New Background

You can now blur your background, select one of the available preset images, or upload a custom image if needed. This is useful if your surroundings change during the call.

Apply and Close

Once you’ve chosen your preferred background, click Apply, then select Close to return to your meeting with the new background in place.

How To Create and Upload Custom Backgrounds in Microsoft Teams?

Using a custom background lets you personalise your video calls while keeping your surroundings appropriate and consistent.

Design Your Background Image

Create an image using basic photo editing software or a design tool. A clear, well-lit image works best for video calls. Stick to a standard widescreen layout for best results.

Save in the Right Format

Once your design is ready, save it in a common image format like JPEG or PNG. Keeping the file size reasonable helps it load smoothly in Teams.

Upload the Image to Teams

Access background settings before or during a meeting. Use the option to add a new background and upload your saved image from your device.

Select and Apply Your Background

After uploading, your custom image will appear with the other background options. Select it, preview how it looks, and apply it when you are happy with the result.

Conclusion

Changing your background in Microsoft Teams is a simple but effective way to improve how you appear on video calls. As covered in this guide, the process is easy to manage before or during a meeting, and custom backgrounds offer added flexibility for both professional and personal use. From maintaining privacy to presenting a more polished image, the right background can enhance your overall meeting experience. Taking a few moments to adjust these settings helps you stay focused and prepared in any virtual setting. 

If you need further support with Microsoft Teams or wider IT solutions, contact IT Support 4U today to benefit from expert guidance and reliable technical support.