When the focus belongs on you and not your room, you can blur or customize your background during a video call in Skype. The option to choose a background effect is available in Skype on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
 

How do I blur or customize my background during a video call in Skype?

1. During a call, hover over the video  button or click the More  menu.
2. Click Choose background effect.
3. You can Blur the room you're in currently, choose an image you previously added, or Add a new image to customize your background effect.

Note: It's recommended to use images in landscape orientation and the custom image needs to be saved locally on your desktop. Skype for Windows 10 (version 14) supports blur background only.

 

How do I blur or customize my background for all video calls in Skype?

1. Click your profile picture.
2. Click  Settings then click  Audio & Video.
3. Under Choose background effect, you can Blur the room you're in currently, choose an image you previously added, or Add a new image to customize your background effect.

Note: It's recommended to use images in landscape orientation and the custom image needs to be saved locally on your desktop. Skype for Windows 10 (versions 14) supports blur background only. 
 

Why don't I see the option to blur or customize my video background?

To blur your background in Skype, your computer processor needs to support Advanced Vector Extensions 2 (AVX2). For more information, check with your computer manufacturer.