Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Teams status showing Away. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Teams Status Showing "Away" - Business User Guide

Problem

Your Microsoft Teams status shows "Away" even though you're at your computer and working, making it difficult for colleagues to know when you're available.

Why It Happens

Teams automatically sets your status to "Away" when:

• You haven't used your mouse or keyboard for 5+ minutes
• Your screen is locked or computer sleeps
• You've been in a meeting but not typing

Solutions

Step 1: Show Yourself as Available

1. In Teams, click your profile picture (top right)

2. Click "Set status message"

3. Select "Available" or a custom message

4. Close the status window

5. Your status should update to green

Step 2: Keep Teams Running

1. Ensure Teams isn't minimized or closed

2. Teams must be running in the background to update your status

3. Don't quit Teams when done — just close the window (X)

4. Check the system tray (bottom right) for the Teams icon

Step 3: Adjust Activity Settings

1. Click your profile → Settings → "General"

2. Look for "Privacy" or "Status" settings

3. Disable options like "Turn on PC running status" (if available)

4. This prevents Teams from setting you to Away automatically

Step 4: Keep Your Computer Awake

1. Press Win + I → "System" → "Power"

2. Set "Screen and sleep" to a longer duration or "Never"

3. Avoid locking your computer when stepping away briefly

Step 5: Change Status from Away to Available

1. When you return to your computer:

• Move your mouse or press a key
• Teams should automatically change to "Available" within 1-2 minutes

2. Or manually: Click your status → Select "Available"

Step 6: Restart Teams

If status is stuck:

1. Right-click the Teams icon in the taskbar

2. Select "Quit"

3. Wait 10 seconds

4. Reopen Teams

5. Sign in — status should show as Available

Step 7: Check for Status Settings in Outlook

Sometimes Outlook affects Teams status:

1. In Outlook, go to File → Options → Mail → "Other"

2. Look for "Manage Outlook status settings"

3. Ensure integration is working properly

Status Colors Explained

• 🟢 Available — Green, you're online and can chat
• 🟡 Busy — Red, you're in a meeting or focused work
• 🟠 Do Not Disturb — Red with slash, don't interrupt
• ⚪ Away — Gray, you're not at your computer
• ⚫ Offline — Gray outline, you're signed out

Need More Help?

If your status keeps showing Away incorrectly:

• Try restarting your computer
• Check for Teams updates
• Contact IT Support if issue persists

Still Having Issues?