End-user Tips for Improving Microsoft Teams Performance

Microsoft Teams has become an essential tool for communication, whether you're working remotely, attending online classes, or catching up with friends and family. However, you may sometimes experience issues like poor audio or video quality. Here's a simple guide to help you troubleshoot and improve your Teams calls.

Using the Call Health Feature

Teams includes a "Call Health" feature that displays real-time data about your call quality. The Call Health panel shows network metrics like roundtrip time, which measures how long it takes for data to travel to the server and back, packet loss, and jitter. Ideally, jitter should be below 30ms, and packet loss should be minimal, under 2%. Today, you can access this feature by clicking on the three-dot "More" menu and selecting "Call Health." The Call Health panel shows you a quick overview of your call's performance.

Check Your Network Connection

A stable network connection is key to good call quality. When possible, use a wired Ethernet connection, which is generally more reliable than Wi-Fi. Wired connections can help reduce issues with jitter, which is variations in packet arrival times, and packet loss, where data packets fail to reach their destination. If you're experiencing problems, try switching networks. For instance, consider using cellular data or a wired connection if you're on Wi-Fi.

Optimize Your Audio

A high-quality headset or external microphone can improve sound clarity, as built-in laptop microphones often pick up too much background noise. Ensure your audio device is properly connected and selected in Teams. Additionally, mute your microphone in group calls when you're not speaking. This helps reduce background noise and can enhance overall call quality.

Enhance Video Quality

Good video quality makes your calls more engaging and easier to follow. Make sure your face is well-lit and your camera is positioned at eye level. Proper lighting can significantly improve how you appear on camera. Closing unnecessary applications on your computer can also free up resources and bandwidth, improving the quality of your video stream.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you're experiencing issues, ensure all cables are securely connected and not damaged. Simply restarting your computer, modem, or router can sometimes resolve connectivity issues. Make sure you're using the latest version of Microsoft Teams, as updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements.

By following these steps, you can significantly improve the quality of your Microsoft Teams calls. If problems persist, consider contacting your IT support team or internet service provider. Optimizing your setup can make a big difference in your daily communications.