Stay “Available” on Microsoft Teams with AutoHotkey: A Simple Solution

The Problem: Microsoft Teams’ Overeager “Away” Status

We’ve all been there. You’re deeply focused on a task, reviewing a document, or perhaps in a meeting using another application when suddenly you notice your Microsoft Teams status has switched to “Away.” Despite being actively working, Teams has decided your lack of direct interaction with the application means you’re not at your desk.

This overzealous status switching can give colleagues the wrong impression about your availability and interrupt your workflow with unnecessary messages asking if you’re actually there. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution that doesn’t involve changing Teams settings or installing third-party software with questionable permissions.

Enter AutoHotkey: Your Status-Saving Solution

AutoHotkey is a free, open-source scripting language for Windows that allows you to automate repetitive tasks. In this case, we can use it to simulate minimal mouse movement at regular intervals, just enough to keep Teams from thinking you’ve stepped away.

The Solution: A Simple Script to Stay “Available”

Here’s how to implement this unobtrusive solution:

Step 1: Install AutoHotkey

If you don’t already have it installed, download and install the latest version of AutoHotkey from autohotkey.com. This script is compatible with AutoHotkey v2.x, which is the latest major version.

Step 2: Create Your Script

1. Open Notepad or your favorite text editor
2. Copy and paste the following code
   (Or download it from here but change .txt to .ahk):

; AutoHotkey v2 script to keep Teams active using mouse movement
#SingleInstance Force

; Set the interval (in milliseconds) - 4 minutes (240000 ms)
interval := 240000

; Initialize the timer
SetTimer MoveMouse, interval

; Function that moves the mouse slightly and then back
MoveMouse()
{
    ; Save the current mouse position
    MouseGetPos &xpos, &ypos
    
    ; Move mouse by 1 pixel right then back to original position
    ; This version is more reliable as it returns exactly to the starting position
    MouseMove xpos + 1, ypos
    Sleep 100
    MouseMove xpos, ypos
}

; Hotkey to exit the script (Ctrl+Alt+X)
^!x::ExitApp()

3. Save the file with a .ahk extension, such as KeepTeamsActive.ahk

Step 3: Run the Script

Simply double-click your newly created .ahk file. You’ll see the AutoHotkey icon appear in your system tray, indicating the script is running.

Step 4: Stop the Script When Needed

When you want to stop the script, press Ctrl+Alt+X or right-click the AutoHotkey icon in your system tray and select “Exit.”

How the Script Works

This elegant little script works through these key components:

• Timer Function: Instead of using a loop as in older versions, AutoHotkey v2 uses a SetTimer function to call the MoveMouse function every 4 minutes (240,000 milliseconds).
• Minimal Movement: It moves your mouse cursor just 1 pixel to the right and then back again—a movement so slight you won’t even notice it happening.
• No Interference: The movement is so minimal that it won’t disrupt your work, even if you’re actively using your mouse.
• Easy Exit: A simple keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+Alt+X) stops the script whenever you want.

Tips and Considerations

• AutoHotkey Version: This script is written for AutoHotkey v2.x. If you’re using an older version (v1.x), you’ll need to either update to the latest version or modify the script syntax for v1 compatibility.
• Customization: Feel free to adjust the interval value if you find Teams is still setting you as “Away.” Some versions of Teams may have different timeout thresholds.
• Startup: If you want the script to run automatically when you start your computer, place a shortcut to your .ahk file in your Windows Startup folder.
• Corporate Policies: Be mindful of your organization’s policies regarding presence indicators. This script is meant to prevent false “Away” statuses, not to misrepresent your actual availability.
• Power Usage: The script’s impact on battery life is negligible since the movement is minimal and infrequent.

The Ethical Consideration

It’s worth noting that this solution isn’t about deceiving colleagues or pretending to be working when you’re not. Rather, it’s about ensuring your status accurately reflects your true availability when you’re genuinely engaged in work that doesn’t involve direct interaction with Teams.

Conclusion

With this simple AutoHotkey script, you can ensure that Microsoft Teams accurately reflects your availability status without having to remember to periodically click or move your mouse. It’s a small quality-of-life improvement that can prevent miscommunications and interruptions throughout your workday.

Happy productive (and accurately represented) working!

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Note: This script was tested with Microsoft Teams desktop application versions available as of May 2025. Future updates to Teams may affect how the application determines user activity.