When it comes to virtual meetings and remote work, Microsoft Teams has become a crucial tool for countless individuals and companies. One of its features that brings some enjoyment and personal touch to Teams meetings is its background selection option. In this article, I will provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to choose a background on Microsoft Teams, and also share my own opinions and advice.
Why Choose a Background?
Before we jump into the details, let’s discuss why you might want to choose a background for your Microsoft Teams meetings. While the default background is a plain and professional setting, changing your background can help you express your personality or add a touch of humor to your virtual meetings. It’s a simple way to make your meetings more interesting and engaging.
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing a Background on Microsoft Teams
Now, let’s dive into the steps to choose a background on Microsoft Teams:
- Open the Microsoft Teams app on your computer and sign in to your account.
- Join a meeting or start a new one.
- Once you are in the meeting, locate the toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
- Click on the three-dot menu icon, which will open a menu with additional options.
- In the menu, click on “Show background effects.”
- A sidebar will appear on the right side of the screen, showing a selection of available backgrounds.
- Browse through the options and choose the background you like by clicking on it. You can see a preview of how the background will look behind you.
- Once you’ve selected a background, click on the “Apply” or “Apply and turn on video” button to enable it for your meeting.
It’s important to note that not all backgrounds may be available to you, depending on your version of Microsoft Teams or the policies set by your organization. If you don’t see any appealing options, you can also upload your own custom background by clicking on the “Add new” button at the top of the sidebar.
My Personal Tips for Choosing a Background
As someone who has experimented with various backgrounds in Microsoft Teams meetings, I have a few tips to help you make the most out of this feature:
- Consider the purpose of the meeting and choose a background accordingly. For formal meetings, a simple and professional background would be more suitable.
- Be mindful of your surroundings. Make sure to choose a background that doesn’t clash with your physical environment or distract other participants.
- Experiment with different backgrounds to find the ones that best represent your personality or match the theme of the meeting.
- Avoid backgrounds that are too busy or visually overwhelming, as they can be distracting and take away from the focus of the meeting.
- Test your chosen background before the meeting to ensure it looks good and doesn’t cause any technical issues.
Conclusion
Choosing a background on Microsoft Teams can add a personal touch to your virtual meetings and make them more enjoyable. Whether you prefer a professional setting or something more fun, Microsoft Teams offers a range of options to suit your style. Take some time to explore the available backgrounds and experiment with different choices to find the ones that best reflect your personality and enhance your virtual meetings.