Like Zoom, Microsoft Teams is constantly improving with new updates to help us work and communicate remotely. One such update is the ability to add backgrounds to your calls to hide the mess and chaos of your world or just jazz things up a bit. 

If you're wondering how to add backgrounds to your calls, then you've come to the right place. We're going to show you how to select a new call background and which backgrounds to use for the best results. 

How to blur your background in Microsoft Teams

how to use custom backgrounds in microsoft teams and the best ones to choose photo 24
Microsoft

If you don't necessarily want to use a fake background, but also don't want people on your call seeing your kids wandering around or your less than professional backdrop then Teams has the answer.

Using a basic setting you can simply blur the background of your call while keeping yourself in focus. 

The process of blurring your background is simple enough. When you're about to start a call on Teams you'll see a purple slider the bottom next to the video option. Simply use that slider to blur your webcam background before the call starts. 

If you're already on the call then you can just hover your cursor near the bottom of the call window and you'll see a menu icon appear. Click that and select the "blur my background" option.

Using a default Teams background

how to use custom backgrounds in microsoft teams and the best ones to choose photo 22
Microsoft

If background blurring isn't quite cutting it, then you can go a step further with the help of the default backgrounds available within Teams. There are a number of backgrounds to choose from whether simple office scenes or something a bit more luxurious. 

To use a pre-installed Teams background is simple enough too. When you're connecting to a call on Teams you'll see an option with a slider next to the camera icon. Using that you can turn virtual backgrounds on and you'll then get the ability to select the background of your choosing. 

How to use your own backgrounds in Microsoft Teams

How to use custom backgrounds Microsoft Teams and best ones to choose image 1
Pocket-lint

It's now possible to add your own custom images from your PC and use them as backgrounds for your Microsoft Teams call. You can select the default ones or click "add new" and upload your own files. 

Microsoft has a nice selection of images available to download here but if you have access to your own personal images then you can use them instead. 

Add your images

To add your own images, click that add new button, find the appropriate folder on your PC and upload them. The images need to be a good size for the best result - 1920 x 1080 seems a sensible choice. They should also be either JPG or PNG. 

Once uploaded, you can then simply follow the same process that you would to choose a default image. Click the slider next to the camera icon and the default images should appear as normal. Scroll through them and you'll see the ones you added. Select the one you want and you're away. 

Family Guy

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 1
Fox

We've already put together a list of the best backgrounds to use for Zoom calls, so it makes sense to recommend some good ones to use for Teams as well. 

Of course, your Microsoft Teams calls might be a tad more on the professional side, being mostly work calls, but that doesn't mean you can't use some classic images to make things a little more interesting. 

Space and our world

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds photo 19
Nasa

NASA has all sorts of awesome images that are available to download and use. Those photos include shots from the Earth Observatory and the International Space Station. Magnificent views of our world that'll make for an awesome backdrop to your calls. 

Toy Story

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 1
Pixar

Something a little cuter comes in the form of this classic Pixar scene from Toy Story. Instantly recognisable and unlikely to offend anyone. What more could you want?

Everything is fine

How To Use Custom Backgrounds Microsoft Teams And Best Ones To Choose image 1
@feralcreachre

The classic meme is perfectly suited to the madness that's unfolding in the world at the moment. Hopefully, your meetings will go better if you can start them off with a smile. It might not be the most professional Teams background, but it's certainly a good one. 

Lego

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds photo 20
Lego

Lego has some fantastic images available to download and use as backgrounds. As you'd expect they have a nice Lego theme to them with a variety of fun scenes that'll help show your fun side. 

A calming scene

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 1
Huseyn Kamaladdin from Pexels

A more believable view of a tidy office space that could easily be your home. Or at least it'll do if you want to pretend it is while you're on your Teams call. 

Business as usual

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 1
Ryan McGuire from Pixabay

Nothing to see here. Just a man and his banana. Perfect backdrop fodder if you ask us. 

Bright spark

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds photo 18
Microsoft

Position yourself in the right place with this one and you can look like you've really got some bright ideas. If nothing else you'll bring some shocking magnificence to the meeting. 

Minecraft

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 4
@feralcreachre

Another classically inspired Microsoft view. This time a little more blocky, but nonetheless awesome. If you like this one, you could even go one better by getting some snaps from the awesome Minecraft with RTX beta. 

Pretty room

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 5
@paigefinnn

If your backdrop is a touch on the messy side, then how about a view that implies your home is much neater and consists of well-ordered surroundings. This pretty living room is bound to imply an organised and collected mind - one that's ready to get down to business. 

Finding Nemo

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 1
Disney/Pixar

Had enough of being on dry land? How about an under-the-sea view? This image is taken from Finding Nemo and is certainly a chilled out view of the ocean that will hopefully have people daydreaming of pleasant trips to the beach. 

An empty office

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 1
Pixabay

Show your dedication to taking business seriously by using this backdrop that makes it look like you've gone to the trouble of actually going to the office, all on your own. We're not sure it's an efficient use of office lighting or resources, but it sure looks professional.

A clean office backdrop

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 1
ATBO/Pexels

Another custom Teams background that's bound to give off a professional air while making for a nice view that isn't distracting, overly cluttered or just plain awful.   

Windows XP background

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 1
Charles O'Rear/Microsoft

If you're using Microsoft Teams, it only seems fitting to be using a Windows wallpaper as your backdrop and which is more recognisable than this classic view from the hazy days of Windows XP. The operating system might be long dead, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the scenery. 

The Moon

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 1
@feralcreachre

Pretend you're carrying out the ultimate in social distancing by holding your Microsoft Teams meeting from the surface of the moon. Just remember, in space, no one can hear you scream but they sure can on Teams. 

The distracted boyfriend meme

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 2
@feralcreachre

Another meme, another Teams background. Hopefully, the distracted boyfriend isn't too distracting for the rest of the people on your call. Another one that might not be the most professional background, but is bound to get a chortle or two. 

Everything is fine

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 3
@feralcreachre

The classic meme is perfectly suited to the madness that's unfolding in the world at the moment. Hopefully, your meetings will go better if you can start them off with a smile. It might not be the most professional Teams background, but it's certainly a good one. 

The Simpsons' living room

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 7
Fox

Show off your slightly more playful side with a custom backdrop from the instantly recognisable cartoon family home. Then when the call is done you can go and fetch a cold Duff from the fridge. 

The Office

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 6
@feralcreachre

A perhaps more professional backdrop, but one that still has a little dose of humour in it comes in the form of this image from The Office. At first glance, it looks like a standard office background, but it's so much more. Fans of the show are bound to approve. 

The bridge

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 1
Michael Gillett

Show off your inner geek with a clean scene from the Star Trek universe. Engage your call and be on the lookout for fellow Trekkies appreciating your custom background.  

Rebel Base

Best Custom Microsoft Teams Backgrounds image 1
Lucas Films

If you're more of a Star Wars fan than Star Trek, then don't despair as there are other options open to you. Like this backdrop which features a scene from a Rebel base. 

how to use custom backgrounds in microsoft teams and the best ones to choose photo 23
Microsoft

This is a Teams background that was submitted to Microsoft by one of the users. We love it. Certainly going to be a lot of eyes looking back at the caller with this one.