MC1179157 – (Update) Updated SharePoint document library user experience

Product:

OneDrive, SharePoint

Platform:

Online, US Instances, Web, World tenant

Status:

In development

Change type:

Feature update, Updated message, User impact

Links:

500870

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft is updating SharePoint document libraries with a simplified command bar, improved breadcrumb navigation, more visible custom views, filter pills, and a new options button. The rollout begins November 2025, with no impact on most customizations except updated command bar formatter behavior. No action required.

Details:
Updated November 5, 2025: We have updated the timeline. Thank you for your patience.
[Introduction]
Microsoft is introducing a refreshed user experience for SharePoint document libraries to improve usability and navigation. These updates are based on customer feedback and aim to streamline common actions, enhance visibility of filters and views, and improve folder navigation-all without disrupting existing customizations.

This message is associated with Roadmap ID 500870.
[When this will happen:]
Targeted Release: Begins early November 2025 and completes by mid-December 2025 (previously late November).
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC, GCC High, and DoD): Begins early January 2026 and completes by late January 2026.

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

Created:
2025-10-25

updated:
2025-11-05

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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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Interface Changes
The updated command bar and navigation may confuse users who are accustomed to the previous layout, leading to potential inefficiencies in document management tasks.
   - roles: End Users, Content Managers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/dev/declarative-customization/view-commandbar-formatting, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=500870

Training and Adaptation
Users may require additional training to adapt to the new features and layout, which could temporarily reduce productivity and increase support requests.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/dev/declarative-customization/view-commandbar-formatting, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=500870

Custom Command Bar Formatter Behavior
Changes in command bar formatter behavior may lead to unexpected results for users relying on custom configurations, potentially disrupting workflows.
   - roles: Developers, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/dev/declarative-customization/view-commandbar-formatting, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=500870

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Training Programs
With the updated SharePoint user experience, there is an opportunity to develop targeted training programs for users to familiarize them with the new features, such as the simplified command bar and improved navigation. This will enhance user adoption and satisfaction.
   - next-steps: Develop training materials and schedule workshops or webinars for users, focusing on the new features and best practices for utilizing the updated SharePoint document libraries.
   - roles: IT Managers, Training Coordinators, End Users
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=500870" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=500870, https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/dev/declarative-customization/view-commandbar-formatting " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/dev/declarative-customization/view-commandbar-formatting

Streamlined IT Support Processes
The new user interface changes may lead to an increase in support queries. By updating IT support documentation and FAQs to reflect the new features, IT can reduce response times and improve user experience.
   - next-steps: Review and update IT support documentation to include new features and common user queries related to the updated SharePoint experience.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Managers, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/dev/declarative-customization/view-commandbar-formatting, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=500870" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=500870

Improved Customization Management
With the updated command bar behavior, IT can take this opportunity to review existing customizations to ensure they align with the new format. This can lead to a more consistent user experience and reduced technical debt.
   - next-steps: Conduct an audit of current customizations in SharePoint document libraries and adjust them according to the new command bar formatting guidelines.
   - roles: SharePoint Administrators, IT Managers, Development Teams
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/dev/declarative-customization/view-commandbar-formatting, https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=500870" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=500870

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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