Gadgets — Technology

Steps to Alter Your Backdrop in Microsoft Teams Made Simple

Microsoft Teams provides personalized virtual background options for video meetings during online sessions, a particularly useful feature during the COVID-19 pandemic. At times, you might find yourself with your camera on, but a nearby individual or a cluttered room becoming the unwanted backdrop.

, and Administrator

2025 September 13 . 3:33 AM

2 min read

Changing Your Background in Microsoft Teams Simplified: A Step-by-step Guide

Steps to Alter Your Backdrop in Microsoft Teams Made Simple

In the era of remote work, Microsoft Teams has become an indispensable tool for online video meetings, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article, co-written by nine contributors, some of whom remain anonymous, offers a step-by-step guide on how to hide your surroundings in a Microsoft Teams meeting using a virtual background.

To get started, join a Microsoft Teams meeting and click on the '...' in the top toolbar. This will open a dropdown menu where you can select 'Apply background effects'. From here, you can choose from a selection of default backgrounds provided by Microsoft or upload your own image by clicking on the '+' sign at the top of the background options.

If you prefer to set up your virtual background in advance, the article provides an alternative method. Before joining a meeting, navigate to the 'Apply background effects' option and select your preferred background. Remember, the virtual background will not be visible if the camera is turned on without clicking 'Apply and turn on video'.

The process of previewing the selected virtual background is straightforward. Simply click on the preview image before turning on the video. It's worth noting that if the background options are not visible in the three-dot menu, your device or app may require an update.

For those who fancy a bit of fun, the article also offers instructions on how to take a "My Little Pony" background effect.

As of September 3, 2025, this article has been viewed an impressive 119,310 times on the website, which is structured like a "wiki", similar to Wikipedia. However, the person who wrote the guide for adding a custom background image for Microsoft Teams is not identified in the provided search results.

This guide aims to make your Microsoft Teams meetings more engaging and less distracting. Happy hiding!