If you’re getting ready for a Microsoft Teams call and feeling a bit anxious about what’s going on behind you, you’re definitely not alone. Whether it’s a messy room, personal items, or just a bit of clutter, sometimes you want to keep your environment private. Fortunately, Microsoft Teams has a fantastic feature that allows you to blur your background, so you can focus on the conversation without worrying about what’s lurking behind you. Let’s dive into how you can easily blur your background on Windows, macOS, or Linux!
Why Blur Your Background?
Blurring your background is a great way to maintain privacy during video calls. It keeps the focus on you while minimizing distractions from your surroundings. This feature is especially useful if you’re working from home or in a shared space. By blurring your background, you can create a more professional appearance and ensure that your colleagues or clients aren’t distracted by what’s happening behind you.
How to Blur Your Background Before a Call
If you want to set up your background before joining a call, here’s how to do it:
- Open Microsoft Teams: Launch the Microsoft Teams app on your computer.
- Go to Settings: Click on your profile picture in the top right corner of the window. From the dropdown menu, select “Settings.”
- Select Devices: In the Settings menu, click on the “Devices” tab on the left side.
- Background Effects: Look for the “Background effects” section. Here, you’ll see options for blurring your background. Click on the “Blur” option to activate it.
- Save Changes: Once you’ve selected the blur effect, you can close the settings window. Your background will now be blurred for all your upcoming calls!
How to Blur Your Background During a Call
If you’re already in a call and want to blur your background, don’t worry! You can do this on the fly:
- During the Call: While you’re in a Teams meeting, move your mouse to bring up the call controls.
- More Actions: Click on the three dots (More actions) in the meeting controls.
- Apply Background Effects: From the menu, select “Apply background effects.” This will open the background settings.
- Choose Blur: In the background settings, select the “Blur” option. You’ll see a preview of how it looks.
- Apply: Click the “Apply” button to activate the blur effect. Your background will now be blurred, allowing you to focus on the conversation.
Tips for a Great Video Call Experience
While blurring your background is a fantastic way to enhance your privacy, here are a few additional tips to ensure your video calls go smoothly:
- Good Lighting: Make sure you’re well-lit during the call. Natural light works wonders, but if you’re indoors, consider using a lamp to brighten your face.
- Stable Internet Connection: A strong and stable internet connection is key to avoiding lag and interruptions during your call. If possible, use a wired connection for better stability.
- Test Your Setup: Before an important call, do a quick test run. Check your audio, video, and background settings to ensure everything is working as it should.
- Minimize Distractions: Try to find a quiet space for your calls. Let others in your home know you’re on a call to minimize interruptions.
Blurring your background on Microsoft Teams is a simple yet effective way to maintain your privacy and keep the focus on you during video calls. Whether you’re working from home or catching up with colleagues, this feature can help you present yourself in the best light. So, give it a try and enjoy your next Teams call without the worry of what’s behind you!
