How to use custom backgrounds on Microsoft Teams
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Many video calling apps support background images. These allow you to set up an image behind you that’s different than your actual surroundings. They’re a great tool if you want to make a call look more professional by hiding a messy room or adding a company logo (more critical than ever now a lot of us are working from home. Alternatively, you can add a silly background in a relaxed call to have a bit of fun. You can select from a collection of backgrounds built into Microsoft Teams or add your own custom backgrounds.
Updated September 24, 2020:An update to Microsoft Teams made it significantly easier to use custom background images. The update should have rolled out to everyone by this point, but we’ve included the old way below if you haven’t received the update.
How to upload a custom background in Microsoft Teams (new way)
Following a recent update,Microsoft Teamsmade it much easier to add custom backgrounds. Here’s how to use your own images for backgrounds within Teams.
The image is now available to use as a custom background. We break down the steps on how to set a background below.
How to set a custom background in Microsoft Teams
Whether you’re getting a background from an image you’ve uploaded or one of the images that are built into Microsoft Teams, the process is the same.
As of August 14, 2020, a Microsoft Teams custom background persists in all of your meetings and calls until you change it to something else.
How to blur your background Microsoft Teams
Instead of setting a custom background image, you can have Microsoft Teams blur your background. This is great for hiding any sensitive data you have in the background or blurring away anything you don’t want on a call, such as a messy room.
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How to upload a custom background in Microsoft Teams (old way)
These steps will allow you to upload a background image even if you don’t have the “+” button in Microsoft Teams.
While some stock backgrounds are available within Microsoft Teams, you may way to upload your own images. You can do this by places images in the uploads folder for Microsoft Teams.
To save yourself time when uploading more images, you can pin the Uploads folder to Quick Access. That way, it will always appear on the side of your File Explorer.
Looking good on Microsoft Teams
Having an excellent background doesn’t mean much if you look blurry in front of it. Make sure they grab one of thebest webcams for PCsto look crystal clear in front of your custom background.
Microsoft Teams allows you to collaborate with colleagues, upload files, send messages, and chat through video. It integrates with Office 365 and several other cloud services.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
