How to Change Your Background Image in Microsoft Teams

You can tweak the background image in Teams if you wish to change what appears behind you in your video meeting or call, blur the background, or use a custom background. This is one of the most used features in Microsoft Teams. It can be useful when you want to hide your messy room, use a pre-set image or want to attend a meeting with a beach in your background. It allows you to hide your actual surrounding hence reducing distractions and interruptions.

Key Takeaways

• Virtual Backgrounds for Professionalism – Microsoft Teams allows you to change your background to blur distractions or use a custom image for a professional look.
• Steps to Change Background Before a Meeting – Before joining a meeting, click “Background filters” in the preview screen, then choose from built-in images or upload your own.
• Changing Background During a Meeting – Click on “More actions” (three dots), select “Apply background effects,” and pick or upload a new background.
• Blurring vs. Custom Images – You can either blur your background for privacy or select a specific image to personalize your meeting environment.
• Background Requirements & Limitations – Custom images should be in JPG, PNG, or BMP format, and background effects may not be available on older devices.

Changing the Background Image Before Meeting Starts

You can change background image in Teams before a meeting starts by following the steps below –

• Open Microsoft Teams
  
  
• Click on Meeting > Meet Now
  
  
• In the setting window, turn on the toggle at the bottom of the screen to start the video
  
• Click on Background filters
  
  
• Click on the first option to take off any filter already added
  
• If you are working from home and do not want people to see what’s in your background, click on blur
  
  
•  You can even use images in the background like a room, abstract art, a beach, etc.
  
•  Click on Add new to insert a custom image as a background
  
• Click on Join Now

You will see the selected image as the background for your meeting.

 

During the Meeting

Once you are in the meeting, you can still change background image in Teams by following the steps below –

• Click on More > Apply Background effects
  
• You will find the same background filters
  
• Click on Preview to view how the background will look like
  
• Click on Apply and turn on video

 

Finding Additional Backgrounds on Microsoft’s Website

You can use backgrounds available on Microsoft’s website as well.

• Open Microsoft website
  
• Select a Category
  
  
• Click on Download Background
  
  
• Open Microsoft Teams > Background Filters
  
  
• Select Add New
  
  
• Select the image and click on Apply
  
  

 

Changing Your Profile Image

If you turn off your camera, the default image that is visible to everyone is your initial.

You can easily change that by following the steps below –

• Open Microsoft Teams website
  
• Go to top right corner of the screen and click on the icon
  
  
• Click Manage account
  
  
• Select Manage button
  
• Select Your info
  
  
• Select Change photo
  
  
• Click on Add a photo
  
  
• Select a photo and then hit Open
  
  
• Hit Save
  
  

You will now see that the profile image has changed to the one you have selected before instead of your initials.

In this article, we have went through a various background options as well as changing your profile image for when your camera is not on. We have also seen how to get additional backgrounds on Microsoft’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change my background before joining a Teams meeting?

On the preview screen, click “Background filters,” select a built-in image, blur your background, or upload a custom image.

Can I change my background during an ongoing meeting?

Yes, click the three-dot menu (“More actions”), select “Apply background effects,” and choose a new background.

Why don’t I see the background effects option in my Teams?

Background effects may be unavailable due to an outdated Teams version, an unsupported device, or company policy restrictions.

What file types and size limits apply to custom background images?

Microsoft Teams supports JPG, PNG, and BMP images, and the recommended resolution is 1920×1080 pixels for best results.

Can I use animated or video backgrounds in Teams?

No, Microsoft Teams currently only supports static background images, not animated or video backgrounds.