MC1098935 – (Updated) Microsoft SharePoint: Header and Footer enhancements (archived)

Product:

SharePoint

Platform:

Online, US Instances, Web, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

489225

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft SharePoint is updating its header and footer for a modern, customizable, and brand-aligned experience, rolling out from late August to late September 2025. Enhancements include customizable backgrounds, fonts, footer alignment, and a cleaner view mode with hidden command bars for site viewers. No admin action needed.

Details:
Updated August 28, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
We're updating the Microsoft SharePoint site header and footer to deliver a more modern, customizable, and brand-aligned experience. This visual enhancement introduces new options for customizing the header, footer, and navigation links-empowering site owners to better reflect their organization's identity and create more engaging, connected SharePoint sites.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 489225.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out late August 2025 (previously mid-August) and expect to complete by early September 2025 (previously late August).
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): We will begin rolling out early September 2025 (previously late August) and expect to complete by mid-September 2025 (previously early September).
General Availability (GCC High, DoD): We will start rolling out mid-September 2025 (previously early September) and expect to complete by late September 2025.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release

Created:
2025-06-20

updated:
2025-08-29

Task Type

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS How does it affect me

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Preperations

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Urgency

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

linked item details

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Pictures

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

User Interface Changes
The hidden command bar in View mode may confuse users who rely on it for navigation, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
   - roles: Site Viewers, End Users
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=489225

Customization Overload
Site owners may struggle with the new customization options, leading to inconsistent branding and user experience across different sites if not properly managed.
   - roles: Site Owners, Brand Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=489225

Documentation Gaps
Without prior notification and updated documentation, users may be unaware of the new features and how to utilize them effectively, resulting in underutilization of SharePoint capabilities.
   - roles: Site Administrators, End Users
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=489225

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Opportunities**

Enhanced User Engagement
The new customizable header and footer options allow site owners to create a more engaging and visually appealing SharePoint experience. This customization can lead to increased user interaction and satisfaction, as employees feel more connected to the brand and organization through tailored site designs.
   - next-steps: Encourage site owners to explore and utilize the new customization features to align their SharePoint sites with the organization's branding. Provide training sessions or workshops to help them effectively use these features.
   - roles: Site Owners, Marketing Team, HR Team
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=489225

Improved Navigation and Usability
With the command bar hidden in View mode, users can enjoy a cleaner interface, which enhances the overall usability of SharePoint sites. This improvement can reduce cognitive load and help users focus on content rather than navigation elements.
   - next-steps: Gather user feedback on the new interface to identify any areas for further improvement. Consider conducting usability testing sessions to observe how users interact with the updated design.
   - roles: End Users, UX Designers, IT Support
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=489225

Brand Consistency Across Platforms
The enhancements allow for better alignment of SharePoint sites with the organization's brand identity. Customizable backgrounds and fonts can ensure that all digital platforms present a unified brand image, which is essential for brand recognition and trust.
   - next-steps: Develop brand guidelines that include specifications for SharePoint site customization. Share these guidelines with site owners to ensure consistency across all sites.
   - roles: Brand Managers, Site Owners, IT Administrators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=489225

Potentional Risks**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

IT Security**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only