Microsoft dark themes for SharePoint sites

Informational

Message ID

MC1187401
View in Admin Center

Roadmap ID

526788
View in Roadmap

Services

SharePoint Online

Affected Platforms

Web

Summary

Two new Microsoft-designed dark themes (Dark Teal, Dark Blue) will be available for SharePoint sites starting early 2026. These themes enhance visual experience, support accessibility, and can be applied via site settings without affecting existing themes or functionality. No admin action is needed before rollout.

Details

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 early February 2026 (previously mid-January), 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.