How to Set a Background in Teams Video Call?
Whether you are attending an online meeting for work, joining a virtual class, or catching up with friends, Microsoft Teams lets you personalize your video calls by changing your background. Instead of showing your actual room or workspace, you can blur your surroundings or replace them with a professional image, a scenic landscape, or any custom picture you like.
Using a virtual background not only protects your privacy but also helps create a cleaner and more professional appearance during meetings. If your room is messy or you simply want to reduce distractions, changing your Teams background is a quick and effective solution.
Whether you are using Microsoft Teams on Windows or Mac, the process is simple and only takes a few minutes.
Let’s go over every step in detail.
How to Set a Background in Teams Video Call?
Changing your background in Microsoft Teams can be done before joining a meeting or while you are already in one. Teams offers several background options, including Blur, built-in images, and the ability to upload your own custom background.
If you have never used Teams before, simply follow the detailed steps below.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Teams and Sign In
The first step is to launch the Microsoft Teams application on your computer.
After signing in, you will arrive at the main Teams window. Here, you will see different sections such as Chat, Calendar, Teams, and Calls on the left side of the screen. If you already have a scheduled meeting, you can locate it from the Calendar section.
If someone has shared a meeting link with you, simply click the link to open the meeting in Teams.
Before continuing, make sure your webcam is connected and working properly. Teams only displays background options when it detects an active camera.
If your camera is disabled, click the Camera icon to turn it on.
Taking a few seconds to confirm that your camera is functioning correctly will make the rest of the process much smoother.
Step 2: Join or Prepare to Join the Meeting
Once you have opened the meeting invitation, click the Join button. Instead of entering the meeting immediately, Teams opens a pre-join screen.
This screen allows you to adjust several settings before other participants can see you. You can turn your camera on or off, enable or disable your microphone, select your preferred speaker and microphone, and most importantly, choose your video background.
The pre-join screen is the best place to change your background because you can preview how it looks before anyone else sees your video.
If this is your first Teams meeting, spend a few moments becoming familiar with the available controls. Hovering your mouse over each icon usually displays a small description explaining its purpose.
Taking advantage of this preview helps ensure that everything looks the way you want before entering the meeting.
Step 3: Open the Background Effects Panel
On the pre-join screen, locate the Background filters option. Depending on your Teams version, it may appear as Background effects or Filters.
Click this option to open the background selection panel. A sidebar will appear on the right side of the window, displaying numerous background choices.
The first option is usually Blur, which keeps you in focus while softening everything behind you. This is ideal if you want privacy without replacing your surroundings completely.
Below the Blur option, Teams displays a collection of ready-to-use backgrounds. These include office settings, nature scenes, colorful designs, and other professional images.
Simply click any background to preview it instantly. Teams automatically applies the selected image in the preview window so you can see exactly how it will appear during your meeting.
If you are satisfied with the preview, keep the background selected and continue to the next step.
Step 4: Apply the Background Before Joining the Meeting
When you are happy with your choice, click the Join now button. Teams automatically applies the selected background as you enter the meeting. Other participants will immediately see the new background instead of your actual surroundings.
If you selected the Blur option, your face and body remain clear while everything behind you becomes softly blurred.
If you selected a virtual image, Teams intelligently separates you from your surroundings and places the chosen image behind you.
For the best results, sit in a well-lit area and avoid having bright lights directly behind you. Good lighting helps Teams identify your outline more accurately, making the background appear cleaner and more realistic.
Change the Background During an Active Teams Meeting
If you joined the meeting without changing your background, do not worry. Microsoft Teams allows you to update it at any time during the call.
Move your mouse to display the meeting controls near the top of the Teams window. Click the More menu, which appears as three dots. From the available options, select Video effects and settings or Apply background effects, depending on your Teams version.
A panel will open on the right side of the screen, displaying the same collection of backgrounds available before joining the meeting.
Select the background you want to use. Teams immediately preview the effect before applying it. Once you are satisfied, click Apply to make the change visible to everyone in the meeting.
You can repeat this process whenever you want. For example, you may start the meeting with a blurred background and later switch to a professional office image for a presentation.
The ability to change backgrounds during a meeting gives you flexibility without requiring you to leave and rejoin the call.
Turn Off or Remove the Background
There may be times when you prefer to show your real surroundings instead of using a virtual background. Teams makes it just as easy to remove a background as it is to apply one.
Open the Video effects panel again from the meeting controls. At the top of the available options, choose None.
Once selected, your camera will display your actual surroundings without any blur or virtual image.
If you previously enabled Blur, selecting None also removes the blur effect.
Changing between different background options does not interrupt the meeting, allowing you to adjust your appearance whenever needed.
How to Customize Background in Teams?
Microsoft Teams allows you to personalize your meetings by uploading your own background images in addition to the images provided by Microsoft.
Open the Background effects panel before joining or during a meeting. Look for the Add new option. Clicking it opens your computer’s file explorer, allowing you to browse for an image stored on your device.
Choose a high-quality image with good lighting and a resolution that matches your display. Landscape-oriented images generally provide the best results because they fit the video frame more naturally.
Once selected, Teams uploads the image and automatically adds it to your available backgrounds. Select it to preview how it looks, then apply it if you are satisfied.
Custom backgrounds are ideal for company branding, presentations, classrooms, or simply adding a personal touch to your meetings. Many organizations also create branded backgrounds featuring their company logo, helping employees maintain a consistent professional appearance during virtual meetings.
If your uploaded image does not look right, you can upload another one at any time.
Additional Tips
For the best experience, keep your camera lens clean before joining a meeting. A clear camera produces sharper video and helps Teams separate you from the background more accurately.
Use a room with good lighting whenever possible. Even a simple desk lamp placed in front of you can significantly improve background quality.
Keep your webcam at eye level to create a more natural appearance during conversations.
Wear clothing that contrasts with your chosen background. If your shirt closely matches the background color, parts of your body may blend into the image.
Close unnecessary applications before starting a Teams meeting. This frees up system resources and helps Microsoft Teams process video effects more smoothly.
Make sure your Teams application stays updated. New updates often improve background quality, introduce additional backgrounds, and enhance overall meeting performance.
FAQs
Can I change my Teams background before joining a meeting?
Yes. The pre-join screen allows you to choose a blur effect or a virtual background before entering the meeting.
Can I upload my own background image?
Yes. Use the Add new option in the Background effects panel to upload a custom image from your computer.
Why can’t I see the background effects option?
This usually happens if your webcam is disabled, your Teams version is outdated, or your device does not meet the hardware requirements for background effects.
Does changing the background affect meeting performance?
On most modern computers, background effects work smoothly. However, older devices may experience slightly higher CPU usage when virtual backgrounds are enabled.
Can I change my background during a meeting?
Yes. Open the More menu, select Video effects, choose a new background, and apply it without leaving the meeting.
Is the Blur background different from a virtual background?
Yes. Blur softens your actual surroundings while keeping them visible. A virtual background completely replaces your surroundings with another image.