Change your background in Microsoft Teams

The short answer

Microsoft Teams lets you blur or replace the background behind you on video. You can set it on the pre-join screen before you enter a meeting, or open the video effects panel from the meeting controls while a call is in progress. You can usually choose a blur, one of the built-in images, or an image you upload yourself.

Two limits apply. First, availability depends on your device, operating system, Teams version and how your organization has configured Teams. Some options may be missing or disabled. Second, background effects change only the video image. They do nothing to the sound your webcam microphone or headset picks up.

Before you start

• Make sure Teams can see your camera. Your camera should be turned on and selected as the video device in Teams.
• Use a supported version of Teams. Effects available in the desktop app may be limited or absent in some browsers or older clients.
• Check whether your organization restricts effects. Administrators can limit background options, including whether you can upload your own images.

Change your background before a meeting

• 1. Join the meeting from your calendar, chat or meeting link so the pre-join screen opens.
• 2. Turn your camera on so you can see the preview.
• 3. Open the background or video effects option shown near the preview. It may be labeled as background filters, effects, or effects and avatars, depending on your version.
• 4. Choose Blur, pick a built-in image, or select the option to add your own image.
• 5. Check the preview, then join the meeting.

Change your background during a meeting

• 1. In the meeting controls, open the menu next to the camera button or the More actions menu.
• 2. Select the video effects option.
• 3. Choose Blur, a built-in image, or an uploaded image.
• 4. Use the preview to check the result before you apply it, if your version offers a preview.
• 5. Select Apply, or the equivalent button, to show the new background to other participants.

Exact menu names and positions vary between Teams versions and platforms. The labels above describe the general location rather than exact wording. If you can't find an option, look in the camera menu and the More actions menu first.

Teams effects versus a virtual camera

Teams' built-in effects run inside Teams and apply only to your Teams video. A separate virtual camera application works differently. It creates a camera device with its own processing, and you then select that device as your camera in Teams. This approach can keep a background consistent across several conferencing apps. It also adds another layer to troubleshoot if video fails to appear. If you use one, avoid stacking a Teams background effect on top of the virtual camera's background unless you actually intend both.

What this means for your audio

A virtual or blurred background hides what is behind you visually. It does not filter background sound. A webcam's built-in microphone still picks up room noise, echo and nearby voices as usual. If background sound is the problem, look at Teams' audio device settings instead, where you can choose your microphone and any noise suppression option your version provides.

Video effects also use processing power. On a heavily loaded computer, this could plausibly affect overall call performance. That is an inference rather than a documented, measured effect. If calls become unstable after you turn on an effect, turning it off is a simple test.

Evidence gaps

No version-specific documentation was supplied for this guide. Exact menu labels, hardware or system requirements, licensing differences between Teams plans, and supported image formats or sizes are not confirmed here. Check Microsoft's current Teams help for your version and platform, or ask your IT administrator if effects appear to be blocked.