As a regular user of Microsoft Teams, I have frequently desired to give my online meetings a personal touch by changing the background. Luckily, Microsoft Teams provides a wide range of choices to select from, giving you the ability to personalize your video calls and stand out. In this article, I will walk you through the process of obtaining various backgrounds on Microsoft Teams and offer some personal insights and commentary as we go along.
Step 1: Update Microsoft Teams
Before you can start changing backgrounds, make sure you’re using the latest version of Microsoft Teams. Updates often bring new features and bug fixes, ensuring a smooth user experience. To check for updates, open Microsoft Teams and click on your profile picture in the top right corner. From the drop-down menu, select “Check for updates” and follow the prompts to install any available updates.
Step 2: Accessing the Background Settings
Once you’ve updated Microsoft Teams, it’s time to explore the background settings. Start by opening the application and joining or starting a meeting. When your video feed is active, look for the “More actions” button (represented by three dots) in the meeting controls. Click on it to reveal a menu, and then select “Show background effects” from the options.
Step 3: Choosing a Background
With the background effects panel now open, you’ll find a range of options to choose from. Microsoft Teams offers a selection of pre-installed backgrounds, including various scenes, abstract designs, and office backdrops. Scroll through the choices and click on the one that catches your eye. You can also upload your own images by clicking on the “+” button and selecting the desired picture from your computer.
Pro tip: Consider using a background that aligns with the purpose or theme of your meeting. For example, if you’re discussing a marketing campaign, a background featuring a creative workspace could add a professional touch.
Step 4: Preview and Apply the Background
After selecting a background, Microsoft Teams allows you to preview how it will look in real-time before applying it to your video feed. Take a moment to ensure the background fits well with your surroundings and doesn’t interfere with your visibility. If you’re satisfied with the preview, click on the “Apply” button to activate the background.
Personal touch: I often like to test different backgrounds with a close friend or colleague before using them in a professional setting. It helps to gain feedback on how the background appears and whether it suits the intended purpose of the meeting.
Step 5: Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues while changing backgrounds on Microsoft Teams, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:
- Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for virtual backgrounds.
- Close and reopen Microsoft Teams to refresh the application.
- Restart your computer to resolve any temporary glitches.
- Update your computer’s graphics drivers to ensure compatibility.
Conclusion
Customizing your video call backgrounds on Microsoft Teams is a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your online meetings. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can explore the various background options and find the perfect fit for each occasion. Remember to stay professional when necessary, but don’t hesitate to show off your unique personality with creative backgrounds.