- \u23f0 60-Second Summary<\/a><\/li>
- How Can You Change Your Background on Microsoft Teams<\/a><\/li>
- What Are the Best Tips for Choosing a Professional Teams Meeting Background<\/a><\/li>
- What Are the Limitations of Using Microsoft Teams for Meetings<\/a><\/li>
- How Can ClickUp Help You Run More Organized Meetings Than Microsoft Teams<\/a><\/li>
- How Can ClickUp Make Your Meetings More Productive End-to-End<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n
\n\u23f0 60-Second Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Microsoft Teams lets you change your background during meetings to hide clutter or add fun, scenic views<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- You can do this before joining by clicking Background Filters <\/strong>or during the meeting via the More<\/strong> option <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- To change your background, select from options or upload a custom background image, preview it, adjust your positioning, and click Apply<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Match your background to the meeting\u2019s tone, ensure good lighting, keep it simple to avoid distractions, and coordinate your background with your outfit for a polished look<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Background effects can sometimes strain device performance, especially on older computers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
How Can You Change Your Background on Microsoft Teams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to change your background on Teams:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Do You Change Your Teams Background Before Joining a Meeting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can change your background on the pre-join screen by opening Background filters<\/strong>, picking an effect (Blur or an image), previewing it, then applying it before you enter the call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Open Microsoft Teams<\/strong> and sign in<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Start or join a meeting<\/strong> from Calendar (or New Meeting)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click Background filters<\/strong> on the pre-join screen<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Choose<\/strong> Blur or a background image<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Preview<\/strong>, adjust positioning, then Apply<\/strong> and Join<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Open Microsoft Teams<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
To begin, open the Microsoft Teams application on your computer or mobile device. If you aren’t already signed in, enter your Microsoft account credentials to access the platform.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image6.png\")
via <\/em>Microsoft Teams<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Step 2: Start or join a meeting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Now navigate to the Calendar tab, select a scheduled meeting, and click Join<\/strong>. If you want to start a meeting instantly, click New Meeting<\/strong> in the top-right corner.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image4-1400x788.png\")
via <\/em>Microsoft Teams<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Step 3: Access background settings<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll notice a pre-join screen before you join the meeting. Click on the Background filters icon<\/strong> to<\/span> explore different background images.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image5.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\ud83d\udceeClickUp Insight: <\/strong>We found that 27% of survey respondents use digital notepads for meetings, while only 12% use AI note-takers. This gap is striking because 64% of respondents struggle with unclear next steps in nearly half their meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ClickUp AI Notetaker<\/a> transforms meeting follow-up! Automatically capture every important detail, clearly identify action items, and instantly assign tasks to team members\u2014eliminating those frustrating “What did we decide?” follow-ups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcab Real Results: <\/strong>Teams using ClickUp’s meeting management features report a whopping 50% reduction in unnecessary conversations and meetings!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start Using ClickUp Today<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\nStep 4: Choose a background effect<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
When you click on background filters, a side panel with multiple background images will pop up. You can select Blur <\/strong>if you want to keep your background but hide any distractions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want a new background, you can choose from plenty of preloaded options, like cozy home offices, abstract designs, and scenic views. In the festive mood? Pick a celebratory or seasonal background to match your mood!<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image3-1400x1095.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\ud83d\udcd6 Read More:<\/strong> Pros and Cons of Microsoft Teams<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Step 5: Preview the background<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
After selecting a background image, click Preview<\/strong> to see how it appears behind you. This allows you to adjust your positioning and ensure the background looks right before you join the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image11-1.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nStep 6: Apply and join the meeting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Once you are satisfied with the background, click Apply<\/strong> to add the custom background. Now click Join now<\/strong> to enter the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udca1Pro Tip<\/strong>: If you want to remove your background and go back to your normal surroundings, click on the first image (with a circle and a diagonal line through it). It will turn off any background effects.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
How Do You Change Your Teams Background During a Meeting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To change your Microsoft Teams background during a live meeting, you can switch effects in a few clicks without leaving the call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Click the ellipsis (\u2026 ) \/ More<\/strong> in the top meeting menu \u2192 select Background effects<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Choose a background (default<\/strong>, Blur<\/strong>, or upload custom<\/strong>) and use Preview<\/strong> to check how it looks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Click Apply<\/strong> to turn the background on for everyone in the meeting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Here are the steps to set different backgrounds in Teams after joining the meeting.\ud83d\udc47<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Go to \u2018More\u2019 options<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Go to the top menu, locate the ellipsis (\u2026) icon, and click More<\/strong>. Select Background effects<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"How](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image2-1400x576.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nStep 2: Select a background<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
From the pop-up menu, select an appropriate background. You can choose from the default options<\/strong>, blur your background, or upload your own image. Make sure your background is suitable for the meeting agenda<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Preview before applying<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Want to test how the background looks? Click Preview<\/strong> to check the background out before making it visible to everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Preview](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image10.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nStep 5: Apply your background<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Happy with your choice? Just hit Apply,<\/strong> and you\u2019re all set!<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Apply](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/image9.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\ud83d\udd0d Did you know? <\/strong>Microsoft Teams lets you add custom backgrounds. Go to the Add new<\/strong> button in the background panel and upload your company logo, team photograph, or an image of your favorite holiday destination.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
What Are the Best Tips for Choosing a Professional Teams Meeting Background<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Here are some tips to keep in mind while choosing your background for a Teams meeting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\uddbc\ufe0f Match the background with the mood of the meeting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Think about the vibe you want to create. Casual team chat? Go for something vibrant or fun to keep it light. Meeting with senior executives or clients? Stick with clean, minimalist backgrounds<\/strong> in neutral tones. Your background can subtly set the tone for the meeting\u2014use it to your advantage!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udca1Preview how the background works with your lighting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lighting can make all the difference. Always preview your background before the meeting starts<\/strong>. A bright face with harsh shadows or an overly dim background can be distracting. Adjust your lighting to complement the background\u2014it\u2019s a quick fix that makes you look polished and professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udf1f Showcase your personality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why not let your background say a little something about you? A cozy bookshelf, a stunning cityscape, or even a subtle nod to your favorite hobby can add a personal touch<\/strong>. It\u2019s a great way to make conversations more engaging and help people connect with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udfaf Keep the background simple and focused<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Avoid choosing backgrounds that scream for attention. Busy patterns or animated backgrounds might seem fun but can take the focus away from you. A clean, uncluttered design <\/strong>emphasizes what you\u2019re saying and not what\u2019s happening behind you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udc54 Coordinate the background with your outfit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What you wear should complement, not clash with, your background<\/strong>. If your background is colorful, stick to solid, neutral tones in your clothing. Wearing similar colors to your background can make you blend in (and not in a good way). Take a moment to check the combination\u2014it\u2019s a small step that goes a long way in making you look sharp.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udcd6 Read More:<\/strong> How to Schedule Messages on Teams<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n
What Are the Limitations of Using Microsoft Teams for Meetings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Microsoft Teams works well for video calls, but it can fall short when you need structured meeting workflows and reliable follow-through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Weak notes + follow-ups:<\/strong> Meeting Notes are basic (limited formatting), visible only to participants, and don\u2019t convert into tasks\u2014so you end up switching tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Performance issues with effects:<\/strong> Background filters can cause lag\/freezing on older devices and may auto-disable on low bandwidth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Limited meeting management + automation:<\/strong> No built-in agendas, task tracking, or automatic summaries\/action items, making post-meeting follow-ups more manual and time-consuming<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Microsoft Teams is great, but it comes with limitations. Here are some of the challenges you might encounter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking notes can be frustrating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The built-in ‘Meeting Notes’ feature feels basic and offers minimal text formatting<\/strong>, such as bullet points and plain text. There\u2019s no support for rich-text editing, making it hard to organize complex meeting details effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plus, notes are only visible to meeting participants. This means you\u2019ll need to take extra steps to share notes<\/a> with other stakeholders. And if you want to create follow-up tasks from your notes, there\u2019s no built-in task management,<\/strong> forcing you to switch to another tool and disrupting your workflow for online meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Background effects can impact performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Using custom backgrounds and effects in Microsoft Teams can enhance your on-screen appearance, but also strain your device. Background effects consume a lot of system resources<\/strong>, which may cause lag or even freezing during meetings, especially on older computers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Internet speed also plays a big role in running effective meetings<\/a>. Teams may automatically disable background video effects used to maintain call quality<\/strong> if your connection is unstable or has low bandwidth. This can be inconvenient when you want to keep a professional look but face technical limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Limited meeting management tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Microsoft Teams\u2019 features<\/a> fall short when it comes to managing meetings beyond basic video calls. There\u2019s no built-in feature for creating detailed meeting agendas or tracking tasks <\/strong>directly within the platform. You\u2019ll need to rely on external tools or manual methods to keep meetings organized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Assigning action items or following up on tasks after a meeting is also a hassle. Since Teams lacks integrated task management, you have to switch to another app to assign and monitor tasks<\/strong>. This interrupts your workflow and makes it harder to stay on top of important action items<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No automatic meeting summaries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Another downside of Microsoft Teams is that while you can record meetings, it doesn\u2019t automatically generate summaries, notes, or action items<\/strong> for you. You\u2019ll need to manually jot down key points or rely on third-party tools to keep track of decisions and action steps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Without built-in automation<\/strong>, it\u2019s easy to miss out on important details, which can make post-meeting follow-ups a bit more tedious and time-consuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s what a Reddit user<\/a> said about MS Teams:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Microsoft Teams feels like a business-focused version of Discord trying to be a super app, integrating tools like Word, Excel, and Outlook. However, its complexity can cause glitches, especially when joining voice chats, which often fail to appear reliably.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n\n\n\n
How Can ClickUp Help You Run More Organized Meetings Than Microsoft Teams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
ClickUp helps teams go beyond Microsoft Teams meetings by turning every discussion into clear notes, action items, and follow-ups\u2014without switching tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Use ClickUp Meetings<\/a><\/strong> to schedule meetings, share invites, and set agendas, then capture notes + decisions in a dedicated ClickUp Doc<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Automate recaps with ClickUp AI Notetaker<\/a><\/strong> and summarize\/convert action items into tasks using ClickUp Brain<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Record only the important parts with ClickUp Clips<\/a><\/strong>, turn key moments into action items, and assign follow-ups instantly via ClickUp Tasks<\/a><\/strong>\u2014then keep everything connected with integrations for Microsoft Teams<\/a>, Zoom, Google Meet, and your calendar tools<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
While Microsoft Teams is great for hosting online meetings<\/a>, it falls short when managing action items and follow-ups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s where ClickUp Meetings<\/a> comes in. It is a powerful meeting assistant designed to help you stay organized with meetings and enable real-time collaboration<\/a>. You can use it to quickly schedule meetings, send out invites, and add all the details like the date, time, and location<\/strong> (or a virtual link).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also allows you to set up agendas ahead of time so everyone knows what\u2019s on the table. During the meeting, a dedicated ClickUp Doc<\/a> is available to jot down notes, track action items, and capture key decisions<\/strong>. Any follow-ups can be assigned right then and there, making sure nothing gets forgotten (more on this later!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"ClickUp](\"https:\/\/clickup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-1000.png\")
- Automate recaps with ClickUp AI Notetaker<\/a><\/strong> and summarize\/convert action items into tasks using ClickUp Brain<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Performance issues with effects:<\/strong> Background filters can cause lag\/freezing on older devices and may auto-disable on low bandwidth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Choose a background (default<\/strong>, Blur<\/strong>, or upload custom<\/strong>) and use Preview<\/strong> to check how it looks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Start or join a meeting<\/strong> from Calendar (or New Meeting)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- To change your background, select from options or upload a custom background image, preview it, adjust your positioning, and click Apply<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How Can You Change Your Background on Microsoft Teams<\/a><\/li>