MC1186372 – (Updated) SharePoint branding governance via PowerShell

Product:

SharePoint

Platform:

Online, US Instances, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact

Links:

526794

Details:

Summary:
SharePoint will enable tenant admins to centrally manage site branding via PowerShell, enforcing enterprise themes, disabling custom branding per site, auditing changes, and embedding branding in site creation. Theme management will centralize in the primary geo, with rollout from late 2025 to early 2026.

Details:
Updated January 20, 2026: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
Coming soon to SharePoint: Tenant admins will be able to centrally manage site branding using PowerShell. This update supports consistent branding across all SharePoint sites by enabling enforcement of enterprise themes, disabling custom branding on specific sites, and auditing branding changes. These capabilities help organizations maintain a unified brand experience and improve governance.
This message is associated with Roadmap ID 526794.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release (Worldwide): Begins late November 2025, completes mid-December 2025
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, DoD): Begins end of February 2026 (previously mid-January), completes end of February 2026 (previously late January)

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release

Created:
2025-11-15

updated:
2026-01-22

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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linked item details

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Loss of Custom Branding Access
When custom branding is disabled by admins, site managers will lose access to the Site branding page in Site Settings, limiting their ability to customize site appearance.
   - roles: Site Managers, Tenant Admins
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.online.sharepoint.powershell/get-spotheme?view=sharepoint-ps, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=526794

Centralized Theme Management
Transitioning to a centralized theme management model may lead to confusion among site managers in satellite geos, as they will no longer be able to create new themes, only apply existing ones.
   - roles: Site Managers, Tenant Admins
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.online.sharepoint.powershell/set-spowebtheme?view=sharepoint-ps, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=526794

Audit and Accountability
While auditing branding changes enhances accountability, it may also lead to increased scrutiny and pressure on tenant admins to justify branding decisions, potentially impacting their workflow.
   - roles: Tenant Admins, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.online.sharepoint.powershell/set-sposite?view=sharepoint-ps, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=526794

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Centralized Branding Management
The new PowerShell capabilities allow tenant admins to enforce enterprise themes and disable custom branding on specific sites. This centralization can lead to a more consistent user experience across all SharePoint sites, reducing confusion and enhancing brand integrity.
   - next-steps: Train tenant admins on the new PowerShell commands and the implications of centralized branding. Develop a communication plan to inform site managers about the changes in branding capabilities.
   - roles: Tenant Admins, Site Managers, Brand Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.online.sharepoint.powershell/get-spotheme?view=sharepoint-ps, https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.online.sharepoint.powershell/set-sposite?view=sharepoint-ps

Audit and Accountability
The ability to track branding changes made via PowerShell enhances transparency and accountability within the organization. This feature allows for better governance and can help identify any unauthorized changes to branding.
   - next-steps: Implement a monitoring process to regularly review audit logs for branding changes. Ensure that all stakeholders understand the importance of maintaining branding compliance.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, IT Security, Tenant Admins
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/powershell/module/microsoft.online.sharepoint.powershell/set-spowebtheme?view=sharepoint-ps

Automated Site Creation with Branding
Embedding theme settings directly into site creation scripts ensures that new sites launch with consistent branding from the start. This reduces the administrative burden on site managers and ensures adherence to branding guidelines.
   - next-steps: Develop standardized site creation scripts that include branding settings. Provide training for site managers on how to utilize these scripts effectively.
   - roles: Site Managers, Tenant Admins, IT Operations
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=526794

Potentional Risks**

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Data Protection**

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IT Security**

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Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

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DPIA Draft**

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explanation for non-techies**

SharePoint is introducing a new way for tenant admins to manage site branding using PowerShell. Think of PowerShell as a remote control for your TV. Just like you can change channels, adjust the volume, or switch inputs from your couch, PowerShell allows admins to control various aspects of SharePoint sites from a central location.

With this update, admins can ensure that all SharePoint sites within an organization have a consistent look and feel, much like how a company might want all its branches to have the same interior design. This is done by enforcing enterprise themes and disabling custom branding on specific sites. It's similar to a restaurant chain ensuring all its outlets have the same decor and menu.

Admins can also audit branding changes, which is like having a security camera that records who changed the TV channel and when. This helps maintain accountability and transparency within the organization.

Additionally, when new SharePoint sites are created, admins can embed branding settings directly into the creation process. It's akin to setting up a new store with the company’s standard layout and signage from the get-go, ensuring consistency from day one.

Theme management will be centralized, meaning that the primary location (or geo) will be the hub for creating and managing themes. Satellite locations can use these themes but won't be able to create new ones. This is similar to a corporate office deciding on a new uniform design, which all branches must adopt, but the branches can't design their own uniforms.

Overall, these changes aim to streamline branding governance, making it easier for organizations to maintain a unified brand experience across all their SharePoint sites.