How can I change my video background in Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams allows you to change your background during a video conference. Follow the steps below to change your background.

1. Join or start a Microsoft Teams video meeting.

2. Before joining the meeting, you will see a screen that displays your webcam.

3. Click the Background settings button.

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4. A list of available backgrounds will appear on your screen. Click the one you wish to use.

Note: Steps to add custom images are at the bottom of this article.

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5. You will see a preview of the background. Once you’re satisfied, click Join now.

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6. To remove or change your background settings during the meeting, click the … button.

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7. Select Show background effects and select a new background or turn the feature off.

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Adding custom images

Microsoft Teams has not officially introduced a way to upload custom background photos. Follow the steps below to add a custom background below.

Note: Mac users will need to join or create a meeting and use the virtual background tool before starting this process to get the correct folders to appear.

You can find custom Wayne State backgrounds at https://social.wayne.edu/zoom-backgrounds

1. Open your computer’s file browser:

  • Windows: Open File Explorer.
  • Mac: Open Finder.

2. Find the image you wish to set as your background and copy it.

3. Access your Teams files:

  • Windows: In the top bar, type %appdata%. Press enter on your keyboard.

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  • Mac: Click Go, then hold down the Option key. Select Library, then open the Application Support folder.

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4. Click the Microsoft folder.

5. Click the Teams folder.

6. Click the Backgrounds folder. This folder will not show up for Mac users unless they have created or joined a meeting and used the virtual background tool since the update.

  • Windows: Click the Uploads folder and paste your image.
  • Mac: Paste your image in the Backgrounds folder.

7. The next time you open a Teams meeting, your custom background will appear at the bottom of the list.

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