How to Change Background in Teams Video Call

Microsoft Teams has improved a lot over time. Microsoft is trying to implement most of Zoom’s features in Microsoft Teams. Following that, Microsoft has also added a feature to allow users to change their background in the Teams app just like the virtual background feature in Zoom.

So, in this article, we are going to show you how to use the virtual backgrounds feature in Microsoft Teams. Initially, Microsoft didn’t allow users to add custom backgrounds. But, now you can add your custom background images to Teams. Just update your Teams app to the latest version.

So, in this tutorial, we will also show you how to change your background in Microsoft Teams and how to upload a custom background image in Microsoft Teams. But first, let’s start from the beginning.

A) Change Background in Microsoft Teams Video Conferencing

As announced by Microsoft, you can now change the background in Microsoft Teams just like you do in Zoom. You also need to update the Microsoft Teams app to the latest version to use this feature. You can download the latest version from here.

Step 1: Open Teams and Start Video Call

First of all, open the Microsoft Teams App, move to the Calls or Chat menu, and select any of your contacts. Click on the video call button to place a call.

Open Microsoft Teams App And Start A Video Call
Open Microsoft Teams and start a Video Call

Step 2: Open Virtual Backgrounds Settings

After the call has been connected successfully, click on the three-dot menu and select Apply background effects to open Virtual Backgrounds settings.

Click On 3 Dot Menu And Select Apply Background Effects
Click on the 3-Dot Menu and select Apply Background Effects

Step 3: Change Background in Microsoft Teams

Now, in Background Settings you will be able to choose from background images provided by Microsoft on the right pane. Here, select the image and click on Preview to test it before applying it to live video.

If you find the background image satisfactory, click on Apply and turn on the video to apply the selected background image. And this is how you can change your background using virtual backgrounds in Microsoft Teams.

Select A Background Image And Click On Preview And Then Click On Apply And Turn On Video
Select and Preview the Background Image, Click Apply, and Turn On Video

Step 4: Blur the Background in Microsoft Teams

You also have the option to Blur the background instead of using a virtual background image. To do so, simply select the Blurred background at the top in Background Settings and you are done.

Blur Your Background In Microsoft Teams Video Conferencing
Blur Your Background In Microsoft Teams Video Conferencing

B) Upload Custom Backgrounds in Microsoft Teams

While announcing the background feature, Microsoft didn’t provide an option to upload custom backgrounds. But Microsoft has recently added the feature to allow users to upload their own backgrounds and use them as virtual backgrounds in Teams app. So, here is how you can upload and use your custom backgrounds in Microsoft Teams.

Step 1: Upload Custom Background to Teams

In Background Settings, click on “+ Add new” to browse for your own custom images.

Click On Add New To Add Your Custom Background Image
Click on Add New

Now, browse and select your favorite picture (preferably in .jpg, .jpeg format) and click Open.

Select Your Custom Background Image And Click Open
Select Your Custom Background Image and click Open

Step 2: Use Your Custom Image as Microsoft Teams Background

It’s time to use this uploaded new image as Microsoft Team’s background. Go to Background Settings again and scroll down to the bottom of the list of virtual backgrounds.

Here, you will find the image that you have just uploaded to Microsoft Teams. Now, simply click on the newly uploaded image and click Preview. Then, click on Apply and turn on the video to use this image as the custom background in Microsoft Teams.

Select And Preview And Then Apply To Use Your Custom Background In Microsoft Teams
Use Your Custom Background in Microsoft Teams

SEE ALSO: How to Use Virtual Backgrounds in Zoom Video Call?

Use Virtual Backgrounds in Microsoft Teams

The above tutorial explained two ways of using the background feature in the Microsoft Teams app. Either you can choose from the provided default images or you can use your own custom images as background in the Microsoft Teams app. Thanks to the custom background upload feature, you can directly upload your own images to Microsoft Teams and use them as virtual backgrounds.

We found, the background feature in Microsoft Teams up to the mark but it was surely not as good as Zoom. Microsoft is working on improving the Microsoft Teams App and you can now use custom background features in Android and iOS as well.

If you are having trouble using this feature or uploading background images to Microsoft Teams, feel free to drop a comment below. And if you are looking for a free alternative for Zoom, that does not require sign-up or app downloads, you can check Skype Meet Now.

Editorial Staff

Hi there, we are the editorial staff at WINDOSPC (former HELLPC). We are a team of funny and technical people. Feel free to get in touch with us via Contact-Us page.

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