If you have opened Microsoft 365 recently, you may have noticed something new. The familiar Microsoft 365 icons for SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and other apps have been redesigned. The new icons are smoother, brighter and more consistent across all platforms.
In October 2025, Microsoft announced a major design update called “Fluid forms, vibrant colours”. This update gives the Microsoft 365 icons a more modern and cohesive visual identity. According to Microsoft, the refresh reflects how people work today and how Microsoft 365 tools connect seamlessly across devices.
Why Microsoft Updated Its Icons
Microsoft explained that the new design is about more than just style. The company said the new icons represent how its tools now flow together across workspaces. This means that apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams feel part of one connected experience.
In the official Microsoft Design announcement, the team described the icons as fluid and vibrant, with subtle gradients and rounded shapes. These elements create a sense of movement while keeping the look simple and approachable.
The design follows Microsoft’s Fluent Design System, which aims to make software interfaces cleaner and easier to use. Fluent Design focuses on light, motion and depth, helping users feel comfortable whether they are using desktop, web or mobile apps.
What Users Will See
The icon update is rolling out across Microsoft 365 and Windows 11. It covers the ten core apps — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, OneDrive, Access, Publisher and Visio — as well as newer tools such as Loop and Microsoft Copilot.
Once the updates install, the new Microsoft 365 icons will appear automatically. Users do not need to take any action. Microsoft says the change will ensure a consistent look across all devices and experiences, from desktop computers to mobile apps and web browsers.
This refresh gives Microsoft’s products a more unified appearance and helps users identify apps more easily.
What the Icon Update Means for You
It is also a useful moment to start conversations about modernising the digital workplace. The design refresh reflects Microsoft’s broader direction towards connected, intelligent and easy-to-use experiences. For partners offering training or change-management services, this is the ideal time to help clients understand how Microsoft’s tools continue to evolve.
Looking Ahead
Microsoft’s design team has said this is just the beginning of a new design chapter. The company plans to explore how design, motion and AI can work together to create more expressive digital experiences.
For now, the refreshed icons set the tone for Microsoft’s future. They show a clear commitment to clarity, consistency and innovation — values that help users feel confident and connected as technology continues to evolve.
The update may seem small, but it sends a big message: Microsoft is building tools that look as good as they work.
