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Overview
You will need to have a few basic audio devices installed on your computer to use Teams. At a minimum, your computer will need speakers and a microphone.
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Choosing your Audio Device
When choosing your audio device, consider ease of use, comfort, reliability, and quality. Several types of audio devices will work with Teams:
Built in Speakers and Microphone
Most modern laptops and PCs come with a built-in set of speakers and a microphone that can be used with Teams. This is not an ideal solution, because the speakers will allow others to hear your calls and meetings, and the microphone usually picks up ambient room noise. However, it may be a good option if audio quality and privacy are not a concern.
USB or 3.5mm Wired Headsets
In terms of reliability and ease of use, this may be your best choice.These types of headsets are very common. They are easy to install and provide a reliable connection. The price varies depending upon the style and quality you choose.
Wireless Headsets
Wireless headsets are quickly becoming a popular device when working from home. They provide maximum flexibility, allowing you to move freely without being tethered to your computer. They require a wireless connection to your device, which involves additional setup. In addition, the wireless headsets need to be charged frequently, and charge times vary by device. As with USB and traditional wired headsets, the price varies depending upon the style and quality you choose.
Installing your Audio Device
Consult the product documentation for installation steps and verify your audio device is working properly prior to running Teams.
Selecting your Audio Device in Teams
You will need to select your audio device within Teams in order to use it. Note that the default may be set to "Custom Audio Device," which will use your built-in default audio devices.
1. Open Teams.
2. Click your account image/initials in the upper right-hand corner, and click Settings.
3. Click Devices to display your audio device menu.
4. Choose your preferred audio device from the Audio devices drop-down menu. In the example below, the user has chosen a Plantronics BT600 headset.
5. Both the speaker and microphone will use the device you have chosen. You can also set a separate device for speaker and microphone, which will result in a "Custom Setup".
6. Click Make a test call to test your audio device.
Related Information
On-Demand Video Training: Using Teams as Your Phone
To learn more about using Microsoft Teams as your phone, view a 30-minute demonstration.