Removing yourself from the Microsoft Teams gallery view is a straightforward process designed to give you more control over your video presence during a meeting. This action allows you to hide your own video feed from the main gallery display, which can be useful for various reasons, such as reducing distractions or managing bandwidth.
Step-by-Step Guide to Exiting the Gallery View
To remove your video feed or "rectangle" from the main gallery display in a Microsoft Teams meeting, follow these simple steps:
- Locate Your Video Rectangle: In the Teams meeting gallery view, find the rectangle that displays your own video feed or your profile picture if your camera is off.
- Access the Context Menu:
- Right-Click Method: Right-click directly on your video rectangle within the gallery.
- Menu Button Method: Alternatively, if a right-click option isn't readily available or preferred, look for a small "menu button" (often three dots or a similar icon) located next to your name within your video rectangle or in the participants list.
- Select 'Remove me from gallery': From the context menu that appears, click on the option labeled 'Remove me from gallery'.
Once you select this option, your video feed will no longer appear in the primary gallery view for other participants. You will still remain in the meeting, and your audio will continue to be active unless you mute yourself separately. This action primarily affects your visual presence in the shared gallery space.
Understanding 'Remove Me from Gallery'
The 'Remove me from gallery' feature in Teams is distinct from leaving the meeting entirely or simply turning off your camera. When you remove yourself from the gallery:
- Your video feed disappears from the main grid, allowing other participants to see more of each other or the shared content without your own feed taking up space.
- You remain a participant in the meeting, able to hear and speak (if unmuted), view shared content, and see other participants.
- Your camera is not necessarily turned off. If your camera is active, others might still see a small preview of your video, or it might reappear if you become the active speaker, depending on the meeting's settings and participant count.
This feature is particularly useful in large meetings where you might want to minimize your own visual distraction or if you prefer to have your video active for others but not visible to yourself within the main gallery layout. It offers a subtle way to manage your participation experience without disconnecting from the call.
