Removing your picture from Microsoft Exchange typically requires administrative action using the Remove-UserPhoto PowerShell cmdlet.
While users can often update or change their profile photo through applications like Outlook or Outlook on the web, removing the photo entirely usually requires specific administrative permissions and tools. The standard method for administrators to remove a user's picture is by using PowerShell commands against the Exchange environment.
The Primary Method: Using PowerShell
The most direct way to remove a picture associated with a Microsoft Exchange account is through the use of a dedicated PowerShell cmdlet designed for this purpose. This tool is available in both Exchange Online PowerShell (for Microsoft 365/Exchange Online) and the Exchange Management Shell (for on-premises Exchange Server).
As stated in the reference:
Use the Remove-UserPhoto cmdlet to delete the user photo currently associated with a user's account. This cmdlet removes the photo from user's Exchange mailbox root. In on-premises Exchange, it also removes the user's photo from their Active Directory account.
This means that running the Remove-UserPhoto cmdlet targets the user's mailbox where the high-resolution photo is stored and removes it. The specific impact on Active Directory depends on your Exchange deployment:
- Exchange Online: The photo is removed from the Exchange Online mailbox root.
- On-Premises Exchange: The photo is removed from the Exchange mailbox root and the user's Active Directory account.
Who Can Perform This Action?
Performing the Remove-UserPhoto cmdlet requires appropriate administrative permissions within your Microsoft Exchange environment. End-users typically do not have the necessary access to run this command. You would generally need one of the following roles:
- An Exchange Administrator
- A Global Administrator (in Exchange Online/Microsoft 365)
- Any other role with permissions to manage user photos.
Therefore, if you wish to have your picture removed from Exchange, you will likely need to contact your organization's IT administrator or help desk and request that they perform this action for you.
Key Considerations
- Administrative Access: You must have administrator permissions to run the
Remove-UserPhotocmdlet. - PowerShell Environment: The command is executed in the appropriate Exchange PowerShell module (Exchange Online PowerShell or Exchange Management Shell).
- Removal Scope: The cmdlet removes the photo from the user's Exchange mailbox root. For on-premises environments, it also removes the photo from the linked Active Directory account.
In summary, the technical process for removing a user's picture from Microsoft Exchange relies on the Remove-UserPhoto cmdlet, which is typically executed by an administrator.
