Your profile photo represents you across Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Microsoft 365, and other university systems such as departmental directories. A professional, high-quality photo helps colleagues, students, and partners recognize you while creating a welcoming, connected digital workplace.
A clear headshot improves collaboration by making virtual meetings, email communication, and directory listings more personal and professional.
Choose the Right Photo
- Use a recent, high-quality photo.
- Clearly show your face.
- Include only yourself.
- Frame the photo from the shoulders up.
- Use natural or even lighting.
- Choose a simple, uncluttered background.
- Wear professional or business-casual attire.
- Maintain a natural smile or neutral expression.
Avoid Using Photos That Include
- Groups or other individuals
- Family members or children
- Pets or animals
- Vacation or recreational photos
- Food or drinks
- Full-body images
- Action photos (teaching, presenting, working, etc.)
- Heavy filters, heavy airbrushing, or artistic effects
- Avatars, cartoons, memes, or illustrations
- Political messaging or promotional graphics
- Offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate content
Action photos are encouraged on faculty or department webpages but are not recommended for profile photos, as they can make it difficult to identify the individual.
Tips for Taking a Great Photo
Choose a well-lit location with light facing you—not behind you. Natural daylight near a window or outdoors typically produces the best results. Avoid backlighting, deep shadows, and harsh overhead lighting.
Use a clean, simple background such as a plain wall, office setting, lightly blurred background, or natural outdoor setting.
Center your face in the image with your head and shoulders visible. Leave a small amount of space above your head.
Choose a relaxed, approachable expression with a natural smile or a neutral look.
Avoid beauty filters, heavy editing, color effects, and artistic filters. A subtle portrait background blur is acceptable.
Photo Specifications
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File Size:
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Under 4 MB
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File Types:
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JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP
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Shape:
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Square (1:1 ratio)
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Recommended Size:
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450 × 450 pixels or larger
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Minimum Size:
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96 × 96 pixels
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Using Your Smartphone
- Ask someone else to take the photo instead of using a selfie
- Hold the camera at eye level
- Stand several feet away from the camera.
- Face the primary light source.
- Avoid using digital zoom.
Before You Upload, Use this Quick Checklist:
Check this is a recent photo
Only you are in the photo
Face is clearly visible
There is good lighting
Simple background
Professional appearance is visible
No filters
Square image
Update Your Microsoft 365 Profile Photo
Need help adding or updating your Microsoft 365 profile photo? Follow these step-by-step instructions to upload your photo and update it across Microsoft applications.
Avoid Circular Ring in Web Directory Photos
Avoid the Microsoft Account portal bug: Uploading your photo via the central Microsoft Account Page often automatically forces a circular crop with a white matte background fill. Direct your photo upload straight through the Microsoft Teams client app instead.
Incorrect profile image
Correct profile image
Update Profile Photo via Teams:
- Click your profile picture or initials in the top right-hand corner of the Teams window.
- Hover over your profile picture in the dropdown menu that appears and click the pencil icon (or click directly on your name/picture to open your profile card and select the camera icon).
- Click "Upload picture" to browse your computer and select your new photo.
- Click "Save" to apply the changes.
- Tap your profile picture or initials in the top left-hand corner of the screen.
- Tap your name at the top of the menu to open your profile card.
- Tap "Edit" (or tap the camera icon next to your photo).
- Choose your option: Select either Take photo using your camera or Choose from library to pick an existing image.
- Tap "Save" (or the checkmark icon) to confirm.
- Universal Sync: Your profile picture is tied to your central Microsoft work, school, or personal account.
- Other M365 Apps: Once updated, the new image syncs to other Microsoft 365 services like Outlook, SharePoint, Planner, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Update Delay: It can sometimes take a little while (from a few minutes up to 24 hours) for the new photo to fully appear across all apps, channels, and devices.