SharePoint Document Issues

How to Fix SharePoint Site Logo Thumbnail Not Updating

Amos Gikunda Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to update the SharePoint site logo thumbnail using the standard 'Change the Look' menu, as the uploaded logo does not persist.

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Uploading a new site logo through the SharePoint 'Change the Look' header settings.
Observed behavior: The uploaded site logo does not remain or update after being applied, despite the process working correctly on other SharePoint sites.

Before you start

Ensure you are using the modern SharePoint experience and that your new logo image is in a supported format like JPEG or PNG before attempting further fixes.

Solution 1Recommended

Troubleshoot Browser, Image Format, and Permissions

Resolve common caching or permission issues that prevent the site logo from saving via the user interface.

Oftentimes, SharePoint interface bugs are tied to local browser caching issues or missing permissions. Ensuring you have the correct file type and administrator rights will solve most thumbnail upload failures.

Clear browser cache

Clear your browser cache and cookies, or try opening your SharePoint site in a private/incognito browsing window to bypass any stored temporary files.

Verify image format

Ensure the logo you are trying to upload is in a supported file format, specifically JPEG or PNG. High-resolution images should be optimized for web.

Confirm permissions

Check your account permissions. You must have at least Site Owner or Designer permissions to apply overarching design changes to the SharePoint site.

Reapply the logo

Navigate to the gear icon (Settings) > Change the Look > Header, upload the new logo again, and save your changes.

Troubleshoot Browser, Image Format, and Permissions

Modern Experience Required: The 'Change the Look' feature requires the modern SharePoint experience. If you are on classic SharePoint, site settings must be accessed through Site Settings > Title, description, and logo.

Solution 2

Update the Site Logo using PnP PowerShell

Force the site logo update using PowerShell commands if the graphical interface continues to fail.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'Change the Look' not appear on my SharePoint site?

The 'Change the Look' option may be missing if you lack sufficient administrative permissions, such as Site Owner or Designer, or if the site is built on the classic SharePoint experience instead of the modern experience.

What image formats are supported for SharePoint site logos?

SharePoint supports standard web image formats for logos, primarily JPEG and PNG. Using PNG is highly recommended if your logo requires a transparent background.

How long does it take for a SharePoint site logo to update globally?

Usually, a site logo updates immediately upon saving. However, due to browser caching or CDN propagation, it can sometimes take up to 24 hours to reflect for all users. Clearing the local browser cache often forces the new image to load.

Do I need special permissions to run PnP PowerShell commands?

Yes, executing PnP PowerShell commands against a SharePoint site requires SharePoint Administrator or Site Collection Administrator privileges, as well as proper PnP application permissions configured within your tenant.

Document & File Issues