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(Updated) Microsoft dark themes for SharePoint sites
MC1187401 · build prod-20251231-200323
Category
stayInformed
Severity
normal
Major change
False
Last modified
2026-01-12 18:03:04
Summary source
Azure OpenAI (gpt-4.1)
Action by (Graph)
Action by (AI)
2026-01-01 00:00:00
Services
SharePoint Online
Tags
Updated message, New feature, User impact
Master tags
User, Admin
Roadmap IDs
526788

One-line summary

SharePoint will offer two new Microsoft-designed multi-color dark themes for site owners and admins to enhance site branding with modern dark palettes.

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Details

RoadmapIds
526788
Summary
Two new Microsoft-designed dark themes (Dark Teal, Dark Blue) for SharePoint sites will roll out worldwide from January to February 2026. These accessible themes update site visuals without affecting existing themes. No admin action is needed before rollout; site owners should be notified afterward.
Platforms
Web

Body (from Message Center)

Updated December 18, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience. 

[Introduction]

Coming soon to SharePoint: Site owners and admins will be able to apply two new Microsoft-designed multi-color dark themes. These official themes offer modern dark color palettes with multiple colors combinations, enabling richer visual experiences and consistent branding across sites. Both themes are available out-of-the-box and can be configured via site settings.

This message is associated with Roadmap ID 526788.

[When this will happen:]

  • Targeted Release (Worldwide): Rollout begins early January 2026 (previously mid-December 2025), completes January 2026 (previously early January)
  • General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): Rollout begins late January 2026 (previously early February), completes February 2026 (previously early February)

[How this affects your organization:]

  • Who is affected: SharePoint Site owners and SharePoint admins across all Microsoft 365 environments (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD)
  • What will happen:
    • Two new Microsoft-designed dark themes (Dark Teal, Dark Blue) will be available out-of-the-box
    • Themes can be applied via “Change the look” in site settings
    • The themes update site headers, footers, section design, Text web part, and Design Ideas
    • Designed for low-light environments and compliant with Microsoft accessibility standards
    • No impact to existing themes or site functionality

    Note: Previously applied PowerShell settings that disable all out-of-box themes from Microsoft remain effective, and the PowerShell command can still be used to manage the Microsoft theme availability.

    [What you can do to prepare:]

    • No admin action is required prior to rollout. After rollout:
      • Notify site owners and users about the new dark themes
      • Encourage exploration of the new options for improved branding and visual comfort

    Learn more:

    [Compliance considerations:]

    No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.

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