With the rise of remote work and virtual meetings, Microsoft Teams has become an essential tool for businesses and organizations. One of the features that sets Teams apart from other video conferencing platforms is the ability to change your background before a meeting. This allows you to add a touch of personalization or professionalism to your virtual meetings. In this article, we will discuss how to change your background in Microsoft Teams before a meeting.
Why Change Your Background in Microsoft Teams?
Changing your background in Microsoft Teams can serve a variety of purposes. It can help you maintain a professional appearance, especially if you are working from a less-than-ideal location. It can also add a touch of personality to your meetings, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Additionally, changing your background can help you maintain privacy by hiding your surroundings from other meeting participants.
How to Change Your Background in Microsoft Teams
Changing your background in Microsoft Teams is a simple process. Follow these steps to customize your background before a meeting:
Step 1: Join a Meeting
Before you can change your background, you must join a meeting in Microsoft Teams. You can do this by clicking on the meeting link or joining through the Teams app.
Step 2: Open the Background Settings
Once you are in the meeting, click on the three dots in the bottom toolbar and select “Show background effects” from the menu.
Step 3: Choose a Background
A sidebar will appear on the right side of your screen with a selection of pre-loaded backgrounds. You can choose from a variety of options, including nature scenes, office settings, and abstract designs. You can also upload your own image by clicking on the “+” button at the top of the sidebar.
Step 4: Preview and Apply Your Background
As you select different backgrounds, you will see a preview of how it will look behind you. Once you have found the perfect background, click on the “Apply” button to set it as your background for the meeting.
Step 5: Start Your Meeting
After you have applied your background, click on the “Join now” button to start your meeting with the new background.
Tips for Choosing a Background
When selecting a background for your Microsoft Teams meeting, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose a background that is appropriate for the meeting and your audience.
- Avoid busy or distracting backgrounds that may take away from the focus of the meeting.
- Make sure your background is well-lit and does not blend in with your clothing or hair.
- Test your background before the meeting to ensure it looks how you want it to.
Conclusion
Changing your background in Microsoft Teams is a simple way to add a personal touch to your virtual meetings. By following these steps and keeping these tips in mind, you can easily customize your background and make your meetings more engaging and professional. Have you tried changing your background in Microsoft Teams? Let us know in the comments.
