Microsoft 365 Unveils Fresh Icon Redesign Amid Product Enhancements
In conjunction with the release of Windows 11 version 25H2, Microsoft has rolled out a series of exciting updates for its Microsoft 365 productivity suite. This is marked not only by the introduction of the new Microsoft 365 Premium tier and enhanced AI feature limits but also a complete redesign of the Office app icons.
The Evolution of Office Icons
The seeds for this redesign were sown earlier this year when Microsoft sought user feedback regarding a new icon set for core applications like Word, Excel, and Outlook. Despite the absence of immediate results, the community was quick to respond, creating fan-made icons that reflected the desired aesthetic changes.
Official Announcement of Redesigned Icons
Fast forward to October 2025, and Microsoft has officially unveiled the new icons for its suite of Microsoft 365 applications. These icons sport a modern, three-dimensional appearance, marking a significant departure from the previous design. The last major overhaul took place in 2018, transitioning from the simpler, flatter designs reminiscent of the Metro UI launched in 2012 to more vibrant and colorful representations under the Fluent design system. After eight years, Microsoft is poised to refresh its visual identity once again.
Rationale Behind the Redesign
Microsoft attributes this redesign to the recent integration of Copilot into its productivity tools. This innovative AI feature not only enhances functionality within apps but also signifies the first price increase for Microsoft 365, along with the introduction of the Premium tier. The company has emphasized that the new iconography will be a visual representation of the revamped user experience:
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the rest of your trusted tools have new life with Copilot, and now their icons will show it. The newly designed Microsoft 365 icons reflect a strategic shift in Microsoft 365 – unified, intuitive, and designed for flow across every canvas. As Copilot connects Microsoft 365 apps into a single, intelligent experience, the icons embody that transformation with cleaner shapes, vibrant colors, and a connected design system nodding to Copilot’s influence.
Rollout of the New Icons
The updated Microsoft 365 icons will be systematically launched over the coming weeks across desktop, mobile, and web platforms for both regular users and business customers. This rollout is expected to enhance the overall user experience, providing a fresh and cohesive look that aligns with Microsoft’s evolving digital landscape.
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