In today’s workforce, many individuals work remotely. Even those who work in the office have started using videoconferencing software more often. Are you one of the people who uses this type of software regularly? If you use Microsoft software, you may wonder how to blur your background in Teams. Here's what you should know.
What Is the Blur Default?
When you choose a background in Microsoft Teams, it becomes your default. Therefore, if you have no blur, a portrait blur, or a standard blur, it remains your default background setting until you change it.
Why Blur Your Teams Background?
If you work from home or have things in your office that you don’t want others to see, blurring your background can provide you with privacy. In addition, it can remove distractions for your audience. You can create a professional-looking environment with a few quick keystrokes, which is a significant benefit if you don’t have a dedicated office.
How to Blur Your Background on Teams
Microsoft Teams allows you to blur your background before and during a meeting.
How To Blur Your Teams Background Before a Meeting
To blur your background before your meeting, start by opening Microsoft Teams. Although you don’t need to log in or create a Microsoft Teams account, you gain benefits from doing so, such as access to the chat history in your meeting and sharing capabilities.
Once your Teams app is open, turn your camera on. In your Teams app, find “Effects and avatars.” Click on “video effects” after your camera is on. Then, select “Backgrounds.” Next, you need to determine the level of blur you want. You can choose standard or portrait blur. Test each option to see what will work best for your meeting. Then, select your choice.
You can also edit the intensity of your blur through your device settings. Select “Open device settings” and choose the blur extent you desire. You can also change your audio and other features from this dialog box. To remove the blur, go to “Backgrounds” and click “None.”
How To Blur Your Teams Background During a Meeting
You can also choose a Teams blur background in the middle of a meeting, but the process is slightly different. First, find your meeting controls and search for the ellipse. This reflects “More actions.” After you click them, select “Effects and avatars.” You can test your options before choosing standard or portrait blur. Select “Apply” to finish your blur action.
You can also deactivate your blur through the effects menu. Just select “None” and “Apply.”
Trouble Shooting for Your Device
Although Teams and its blur options are compatible with most devices, except Linux systems, you could also experience a few issues on other platforms. First, the Teams web client does not support blurring or selecting a custom background. In addition, you may need to speak with your Teams administrator because your company may not allow background features. Finally, your Mac or PC software should have advanced graphics for blurring.
Utilize Custom Virtual Backgrounds on Teams
Sometimes, you need more than a simple blur to create a professional atmosphere for your meeting. This is a great time to explore custom virtual backgrounds. To do so, go to “Background effects” and click “Add new.” You can upload a background or choose one from Teams or a third-party vendor. Then, click “Done” and “Join now.” To turn off your background, click on “None.”
Test out blur background Teams or select a few custom virtual backgrounds that may work for different video calls.