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Quick Answer

Before joining a meeting, turn on your camera toggle, click the Background filters button (the person with lines behind them), and select a blur effect or an image from the right sidebar.

How to Set Up Background Effects in Teams ​

Applies to: Microsoft Teams (Desktop, Web, Mobile)
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-03-09

Summary ​

Background effects in Teams let you blur your surroundings or replace them with a virtual image during video calls. This helps maintain a professional appearance when working from home or other informal settings. This article shows how to apply, change, and upload custom backgrounds before or during a meeting.

Prerequisites ​

  • Microsoft Teams desktop or web app (background effects have limited support on mobile).
  • A device with a webcam enabled.
  • No admin rights required.

Instructions ​

1. Set a Background Before Joining a Meeting ​

Apply background effects from the pre-join screen.

  1. Click the Join button for a scheduled meeting or start a new call.
  2. On the pre-join screen (where you see your camera preview), click the Background filters icon (a person silhouette with a landscape behind them).
  3. Choose one of the following options:
    • Blur — Blurs everything behind you while keeping you in focus.
    • A built-in image — Select from the gallery of pre-loaded virtual backgrounds.
    • A custom image — Click Add new to upload your own image (see Step 3 below).
  4. The preview updates immediately so you can see how the background looks.
  5. Click Join now to enter the meeting with your selected background.

2. Change Your Background During a Meeting ​

Switch backgrounds while already in a call.

  1. During a meeting, click the ⋯ (More options) menu in the meeting toolbar.
  2. Select Video effects (or Background effects).
  3. The background effects panel opens on the right side of the screen.
  4. Select Blur, a built-in image, or a custom image.
  5. Click Preview to see how it looks, then click Apply to confirm.
  6. The background changes immediately for all meeting participants.

Note: Background effects apply to your own video. To change how everyone else is arranged on your screen — a shared virtual scene instead of a grid of boxes — use the View menu instead. See How to Use Together Mode and View Options in Teams.

3. Upload a Custom Background Image ​

Use your own image as a virtual background.

  1. Open the background effects panel (before or during a meeting, as described above).
  2. Click Add new at the top of the panel.
  3. Browse to and select an image file from your computer.
    • Supported formats: .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .bmp.
    • Recommended minimum resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels.
  4. The image appears in the gallery and is automatically applied.
  5. Your custom backgrounds are saved for future meetings.

4. Remove a Background Effect ​

Return to your actual background.

  1. Open the background effects panel.
  2. Select the first option — the circle with a line through it (no background).
  3. Click Apply.
  4. Your real background is now visible to other participants.

Troubleshooting ​

INFO

Background effects require your device to support AVX2 instructions (most modern processors do). If the option is greyed out or missing, your hardware may not be compatible.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Background effects option is greyed outHardware does not support AVX2Check that your processor supports AVX2. Older computers may not be compatible.
Background flickers or cuts into foregroundPoor lighting conditionsEnsure you are well-lit from the front. Avoid backlighting (bright windows behind you).
Custom image does not appear in galleryUnsupported file format or sizeUse a .jpg or .png file with a minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.