Have you ever experienced the frustration of being in a Microsoft Teams meeting and only being able to see 4 participants on your screen? I certainly have! It can be challenging to facilitate a discussion with a larger group when the limited view hinders your ability to engage. In this article, I will provide some helpful tips and tricks to allow you to view more than 4 participants in Microsoft Teams.
Adjusting the layout
Firstly, let’s start with the basics. By default, Microsoft Teams displays up to 4 participants in the main meeting window. However, you can adjust the layout to show more participants. To do this, click on the “…” (More options) button at the top right corner of the meeting window, then select “Large gallery view” from the drop-down menu.
This will change the layout to show 9 participants at a time. If you have even more participants in the meeting, you can scroll horizontally to view additional participants. Keep in mind that the number of participants you can see will depend on the size of your screen.
Using dual monitors
If you have the luxury of using dual monitors, you can take advantage of this setup to see even more participants in Microsoft Teams. By extending your display across two screens, you can have the main meeting window on one screen and the participants’ video feeds on the other. This allows you to see a larger number of participants simultaneously.
To set up dual monitors in Microsoft Teams, go to your computer’s display settings and select the “Extend desktop” option. Once you have your dual monitors configured, simply drag the Microsoft Teams meeting window to one screen and resize it to your liking. On the other screen, you can view the participants’ video feeds in the gallery view.
Utilizing external devices
Another way to see more participants in Microsoft Teams is by utilizing external devices. For example, you can connect a second monitor or a TV to your computer and use it as an extended display dedicated to viewing the participants’ video feeds.
If you’re using a laptop, you can also consider using a docking station that supports multiple monitors. This will allow you to connect additional displays and expand your viewing capacity in Microsoft Teams.
Conclusion
Seeing more than 4 participants in Microsoft Teams can greatly enhance your meeting experience, especially when you’re part of a larger group discussion. Whether you adjust the layout, use dual monitors, or leverage external devices, there are various options to explore. Find the solution that works best for you and never miss out on the valuable contributions from your teammates again!