This feature update will bring users a new navigation option for SharePoint team sites. Team site owners will be able to switch the team site navigation orientation from vertical to horizontal. Additionally, site navigation visibility can be turned off completely.

This new navigation switcher feature allows site owners to customize their team site by changing navigation’s orientation and visibility to achieve a different look and feel, layouts, and alignment styles.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 85568.

When will this happen?

• Targeted release (selected users and entire organization): Rollout will begin in mid-September and expect to be complete in mid-October.
• Standard: Rollout will begin in early November and expect to be complete in mid-January (previously late November).

How this will affect your organization

For SharePoint online team sites, users will see a new option when you navigate to Settings > Change the Look > Navigation. In the navigation panel, users can choose to show or hide the site navigation. If users decide to display the site navigation, then they’ll be able to choose either a vertical or horizontal orientation.

Note: The Mega menu style is only available for the horizontal orientation.

• The Vertical option displays site navigation on the left of the site content
• The Horizontal option displays site navigation on the top of the page just below the site header like on a SharePoint communication site

What you need to do to prepare

You do not need to do anything to prepare for this change. This new navigation feature is optional and existing team site navigation will not change. Notify site owners that this new option is available in addition to other ways to customize your SharePoint site.

Learn more

• Change the look of your SharePoint site
• New Site Header Options in SharePoint Online