How to Add Custom Virtual Background in Microsoft Teams

In this step-by-step tutorial, learn how to set up a custom virtual background in Microsoft Teams. In this video, I cover the following:

0:00 Introduction
1:40 Turn on virtual background from Join Now screen
2:05 Add new custom background
2:45 Show no background
3:05 Blur background
3:15 Select from Teams provided backgrounds
4:28 Fun with backgrounds
6:26 Turn on virtual background from within the meeting
7:07 Trick to hide yourself from video
7:25 Shortcut key CTRL + Shift + M to toggle mute on or off
8:08 Wrap up

As full-disclosure, I work at Microsoft as a full-time employee.

[vaishakhkrishnan]

I don't see any option of changing background while joining
It just shows about the web cam and microphone

As a teacher I have been told to blur my background in lessons with students, this is much more fun!

[neilmcgivern]

I think the blur background is the best as it helps you focus on the person in the video call and removes any distractions.

[lessiejabari]

Thanks, just began using Teams as a teacher. Now I can make my backgrounds more exciting for my students. Appreciate your tutorials!!

[laurapadilla]

Yes, thank you! I was tired of my students seeing the white wall behind me. I completely change from Gmail to Microsoft 360 thanks to your videos and my classes have been amazing thanks to all those resources and tips you have shown, thanks again!

[Libraryladee]

I was just playing around with custom backgrounds yesterday and created one with welcome words. I too thought I had to flip the image since the text is backwards. Tried it with a colleague and found out it is backwards for the presenter but the participants see it correctly. I do have one question, how can I remove the custom images I’ve added? When I was testing my images I ended up with 4 of the same images.😫 Love your videos!!!

[kartikmathur]

hey Kevin,

Just wanted to take a moment to say 'Thank you'.
Your videos have helped me a in improving my excel skills!
Keep up the good work

[imhoman]

Great explanation if you are yet to see a computer in RL. Microsoft is fun.

[TheOriginialGreenBear]

You could do this before the update,
(this pc> show all files> app data> roaming> microsoft> teams > backgrounds> uploads> i think)
But this is alot better,
Thanks :)

[cmonster]

I wish they'd tell you which version of Teams can actually use these functions...

[ii_frah]

this kid in my class had his background as minecraft while the teacher went to go check who was knocking at her door..
_what a legend_

[poojamblik]

For those who can't find the background effects option, though ur teams is updated n u don't have a much older version of PC or laptop, I'd like to suggest to change ur DP settings. I had the same problem n when my dad changed some DP settings, the option started showing up! Tell me if it helped u

[yuanitahantoro]

Hello Kevin, could you advise on how to make 1 background as default so when we want to start the meeting we don't need to choose background each time? The current default background is the natural background from the camera.

[ivkywdy]

You are real, excellent in explaining and clarifying, and I hope that all of what you provide will be translated in Arabic to increase your followers
Thanks, Mr. Kevin

[navingupta]

Hi Kevin, this is an excellent video presentation! Thank you for sharing this. I have a virtual background that has my company's logo. When I use it as a background, the text appears inverted. In zoom, there is a functionality that lets me use the mirror image of my custom background, so the text appears readable on the Zoom meeting. How do I use that mirror functionality in a Teams meeting?

[jennifertucker]

How do I delete the background I added. The size was off and part of my texted in not seen. Also, how do I mirror image or will it show the correct way to others. The test is backwards on the screen. Thanks so much

[amazeyourself_]

6:07 That wallpaper is for Windows XP, not Windows 95.

[JoelSam]

Zoom: We have GIF backgrounds
Me: thinks Teams sucks
Teams: We have a Minecraft background
Me: ah a negotiator, everyone liked that

Btw now I think Teams is better than CoD voice chat. Thanks, Kevin for making my day as I can follow my online classes on the toilet seat.

[jansabarth]

Your Acustic Panels struk my interesst right away!!

[nubianchick]

So, saving lives is just part of what you do around the web world! 😊 thanks