MICROSOFT TEAMS · TOOLS
Keep Teams active without moving your mouse
There are four kinds of solution. They solve different problems, and only some are suitable on a work computer.
The short answer
Start with Teams' own status options and your computer's sleep settings. If the computer only falls asleep, a keep-awake tool is enough. To pick, keep and time your status, use an extension such as Teams Assist. Avoid simulated mouse movement on a work computer unless IT has approved it.
Microsoft's status guidance ↗The options compared
| Option | What it does | Good | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teams settings | Choose status and Duration; presence option in Teams for web | Free, no install | Duration not available for Available |
| Keep-awake tool (PowerToys Awake, Caffeine) | Stops the computer sleeping | Simple, often allowed | Does not set Teams status |
| Mouse jiggler (program or USB) | Simulates input so the computer never looks idle | Works with any app | Often blocked or against policy; hides real absence |
| Browser extension (e.g. Teams Assist) | Sets and checks your status in Teams for web | Keeps your chosen status, timers and set times, no fake input | Runs in Edge with Teams for web |
Which one fits your situation?
- Teams goes yellow while you read or present elsewhere: check presence in Teams for web and keep the Teams tab open.
- The screen turns off during long tasks: change sleep settings or use a keep-awake tool.
- You want Busy for a meeting block, then Available again: use Duration in Teams, or a tool with timers and set times.
- You are actually away: let Teams show Away. That is what it is for.
Why an extension is the cleanest option
Teams Assist does not move your mouse or fake input. It sets the status you chose directly in Teams for web and keeps it there, with timers and set times by weekday. You control everything from one Panel and see your live status at a glance.
How it works
The extension runs inside your own Edge browser, next to Teams for web. When you choose a status in the Panel, it passes your choice to the open Teams tab, applies it there just as you would yourself, and reads back the result from your profile. Your Microsoft sign-in stays with Microsoft; Teams Assist never sees your password or messages.
Open the Teams Assist PanelCommon questions
Can I keep Teams active without a mouse jiggler?
Yes. Teams Assist keeps your Teams status active directly in Teams for web, with no mouse movement, no USB device and no separate program.
Is a mouse jiggler allowed at work?
It depends on your employer. Many organisations block unknown programs or USB devices, and simulated input can break internal rules. Ask your IT department first.
Do keep-awake tools like PowerToys Awake keep Teams green?
They stop the computer sleeping but do not set your Teams status. Teams Assist does both: it keeps your status and can keep the computer awake while it runs.
Does it work during short breaks?
Yes. With Teams Assist running, your chosen status stays in place during coffee breaks and focused work away from Teams.
Related guides
How to keep your Microsoft Teams status greenWhat Teams does by itself, what you can change, and where the limits are.How to schedule your Teams statusDuration, Outlook working hours, Power Automate and set times.Why does Teams keep changing to Away?The yellow dot explained, with Microsoft sources.Questions or feedback: support@teamsassist.net.