Windows logo and

icon guidelines
Windows Logo Usage
Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in including Windows in your materials. we want to
make, it as easy as possible for you to utilize the logo; however, to manage and
protect the value of our brand, we have specific usage requirements.

A trademark use license is required to:

• Use any Windows logo, symbol or icon.

• Indicate sponsorship or endorsement by Windows.

If no agreement exists, or if the proposed use doesn't fall within the scope of
your existing agreement check if the use falls within the General Microsoft
Trademark Guidelines (microsoft.com/trademarks). Finally, please review the
following resources: If you are interested in becoming Windows certified:

To become Windows certified for apps visit

Certify your desktop application - Win32 apps | Microsoft Docs

To become Windows certified for hardware visit

Windows Hardware Lab Kit | Microsoft Docs

If your proposed use is not addressed by any of the, resources provided above,
you will need to obtain a specific, stand-alone authorization or license. Please
contact your Microsoft representative to get the Windows business owner's
approval for the proposed use.

2
Logo anatomy

Symbol

A little shift in perspective.

A big change in meaning.

The Windows brand is one of the most powerful global

product brands in the world across audiences and
markets. Our latest logo has been crafted to carry the
recognition and strength of Windows while aligning it
closer to Microsoft.
Brand logo
Throughout this document, we usually illustrate proper
usage using one Windows logo. Still, the same rules Product logo
apply to all Windows logos, including product logos
and edition lockups.

Our symbol Our logo Our logotype, our name

The Windows symbol is a window. The logo represents the brand visually, like a signature, a Compared to the Windows 10 logo, our logotype is
stamp, or an emblem. And just like a signature, we often now bolder.
It represents possibility and a unique, personal
use it to endorse our executions in the bottom left or
perspective on the world. Our symbol marks the From the Windows perspective, this reflects our
bottom right corner, rather than lead with it. The story,
beginning of a journey, the start of something new. ambitions for bolder innovation within our product
customer, or device can be the hero, with Windows
and device ecosystem. But it also stands for how
Microsoft and Windows now share a common symbol playing a supporting role.
much bolder we want people to be with the things
shape, positioning Windows as the best place to
With its presence throughout our vast ecosystem, the they will do on Windows.
experience Microsoft, and everything we have to offer. In
Windows logo is one of the most visible (and familiar)
order to empower every person and every organization
logos in the world. We need to protect it and respect it,
on the planet to achieve more, everyone needs a place
leading by example.
to do. A place that feels familiar and personal. A place to
do the things that matter—exciting things. And that
place is Windows.

3 Get the Windows logo >

Windows logos

Choosing the right logo

By default, our logo is blue—our core color, the color of

open skies and limitless opportunities. But we also use it
in white to improve contrast and readability.

In co-branded executions, when all other logos present

Use the Windows logo when Use the Windows 11 logo whenever Use the Windows 365 logo If needed, use the Windows 10 logo
are gray, the Windows logo can be gray to harmonize.
communicating about the overall talking specifically about whenever talking specifically about whenever talking specifically about
Between blue and white, we choose the color that will brand, several offerings within the Windows 11, Windows 11 features, Windows 365 or Windows 365 Windows 10, Windows 10 features,
maximize the contrast ratio between the logo and the Windows product family, IoT, and or Windows 11 devices (except for features. or Windows 10 devices (except for
background, always meeting our accessibility self-contained VR/MR headsets. IoT devices and self-contained head- IoT devices and self-contained head-
requirements. mounted displays). mounted displays). Otherwise, use
When referring to a previous version
the Windows logo and refer to
In general, the Windows logo should only be used in of Windows (e.g., Windows 8.1) use
Windows 10 in text.
conjunction with the software product itself, or with the Windows logo and refer to the
devices that actually run the operating system, not with specific version in text. Do not add
other devices like peripherals and accessories, nor to “8.1” or “10” to the Windows logo or
show compatibility for other software products. use retired logos.

Throughout this document, we usually illustrate proper

usage using one Windows logo. Still, the same rules logos on dark
apply to all Windows logos, including edition lockups.

4
Windows logos

Sizing and spacing

Sizing
Minimum size
As one of the most prominent brand elements in the 0.22’’ / 5.5 mm / 15.5 px
world, the Windows logo should be sized appropriately.
We estimate the ideal height of the symbol by using the
golden ratio. The symbol height in the logo should be
roughly 1.6180% of the width + height of your layout.
The symbol height should never be more than double
this amount.

Please keep in mind that a smaller logo can sometimes

be a more elegant look and be less distracting. If the
ideal height noted above looks a little too big, don’t be
afraid to reduce by 10-20%.

The smallest acceptable size is 0.22’’, 5.5 mm or 15.5 px.

Clear space

Maintain at least one symbol of clear space around

the logo.

This clear space is also the preferred clear space when

the symbol is used on its own. The minimum clear space
around the symbol when used on its own is 50% of the
width of the symbol itself.

Sometimes, reducing the size of the logo can help

respect the clear space policy.

5 Get the Windows logo >

Our symbol

In-product icon

Our symbol
starts the doing
Using the in-product icon Using the brand symbol on its own Brand symbol exceptions

In-product, our brand symbol has been adapted slightly In general, the Windows symbol should not be Some exceptions do exist for using the brand symbol on
to fit smoothly with nearby icons. This design may only separated from the Windows logo. its own when the context is clearly branded as Windows:
be used as the Start button within Windows itself. It
 The Windows symbol may be used when referring
should never be used outside of the taskbar.
directly to the Start button (e.g., in tutorial content)
related to the OS and physical keyboard shortcuts.

 It may be used in small-space executions, such as a

list of tech specs or a social media profile picture,
provided the name “Windows” is in direct proximity
to the symbol.

 It may be used when Windows is called out next to

Brand symbol
other platforms (e.g., macOS or Android) being
compatible with a product, provided the name
“Windows” is in direct proximity to the symbol. More
complete compatibility information still needs to be
provided in plain text.

6
Gallery of do nots

These are not great things,

don’t do them

Don’t use the current/retired logo. Don’t mix our symbol and logotype Don’t use the four-color Microsoft Don't use the new front-facing symbol
colors, they should be the same. symbol with Windows. for Windows 10.

8.1

Don’t stretch our logo or add effects like Don’t use our in-product icon as the Don’t add texture, gradient or color Don't use a stacked logo with Don’t add “8.1” or “10” to our new Don’t place the logo in an area or select a
drop shadows and gradients. logo symbol. beyond the white, blue, black and gray symbol on top. Windows logo. Also, do not add SE to the logo color that impedes accessibility. Our
artwork provided. Windows 11 logo. logo requires a 3:1 contrast ratio.

With you
Welcome can do anything… except
to Windows. use our logo inline in copy.

Don’t run our logo vertically. Don't separate our symbol from our Don't use the symbol on its own as a Don’t use logo as a device wallpaper. Don’t fill the four squares with more Don’t use our logo as part of a sentence
Windows logotype. marketing element. than one element when using our or title. We should only use our name.
symbol as a window.