Multiple co-workers have the same initials "MH", I'd like to change my initials to MSH using my middle initial for everyone else to see

The initials shown to other people come from your Microsoft 365 profile identity—not the File > Options > General > Initials setting—so ask your Microsoft 365 administrator to add your middle initial to your directory name and display name.

The setting you changed only controls initials associated with comments, revisions, and document author information in the Office applications installed on your computer.^1^

Administrator steps

An administrator with the User Administrator role should:

1. Open the Microsoft 365 admin center.
2. Go to Users > Active users.
3. Select your account.
4. On the Account tab, select Manage contact information.
5. Add the middle initial to the applicable name fields and display name—for example:
   • First name: Mary S.
   • Last name: Hart
   • Display name: Mary S. Hart
6. Select Save changes.^2^

Microsoft specifically documents using a middle initial this way to distinguish users with otherwise identical names.^3^

After the change, sign out and back in to Microsoft 365. Applications can use either the first/last name or the display name, so the visible format may differ between Outlook, Teams, and other Microsoft 365 surfaces. The exact avatar initials are generated from the profile name when no profile picture exists; Microsoft does not document a separate organization-wide field where an administrator can explicitly enter MSH.^3^

If your name cannot be edited

If View account > Personal info does not offer an edit option, the information is controlled by your organization, so IT or HR must change it.^4^

For an account synchronized from on-premises Windows Server Active Directory, the administrator must update the name there and wait for directory synchronization rather than editing the synchronized fields in Microsoft Entra ID.^3^

Alternative: use a profile image

If the generated initials still do not appear as MSH consistently, create a simple profile image containing MSH and upload it through the My Account portal:

1. Sign in to the My Account portal.
2. Select the edit icon on the current profile photo.
3. Upload the MSH image.
4. Select Save.

The picture is used by applications and devices connected to the work or school account, although your organization may restrict profile-photo changes.^5^

References

1. Word options (General) | Microsoft Support
2. Change a user name and email address
3. Add or update a user's profile information and settings in the Microsoft Entra admin center
4. Change your photo and account information in Outlook on the web | Microsoft Support
5. Add or update your work or school profile picture | Microsoft Support