Archive · 8 Jan 2026
Microsoft Denies Rumors of 2026 Layoffs
There were rumors that Microsoft might lay off a lot of people in 2026, between 11,000 and 22,000.
This made many employees worried because the company had already laid off over 15,000 people in 2025.
The rumors started from an article and spread quickly on social media.
Microsoft's head of communications, Frank X. Shaw, said these rumors were completely made up and not true.
He also said the company is focusing on investing in artificial intelligence.
Despite the layoffs last year, Microsoft's value went over $4 trillion.
The company is also making employees come to the office at least three days a week starting in February 2026.
Rumors suggested Microsoft might lay off 11,000 to 22,000 employees in 2026.
Microsoft's Chief Communications Officer, Frank X. Shaw, denied these rumors, calling them '100 percent made up / speculative / wrong.'
The rumors originated from a TipRanks article and spread across social media and tech forums.
Microsoft laid off over 15,000 employees in 2025, including significant cuts in the gaming division.
Despite the layoffs, Microsoft's market valuation exceeded $4 trillion in 2025.
- Who
- Microsoft and its employees
- What
- Rumors of layoffs in 2026
- When
- Rumors surfaced in January 2026
- Where
- Globally, with potential impacts on Xbox and Azure divisions
- Why
- Speculation linked to AI investments and cost escalation
- Company
- Microsoft
- Rumored Layoffs
- 11,000 to 22,000 employees
- Workforce Percentage
- 5-10% of 220,000 employees
- Denial Source
- Frank X. Shaw, Chief Communications Officer
- Previous Layoffs
- Over 15,000 in 2025
- Market Valuation
- Exceeded $4 trillion in 2025
- Return-to-Office Policy
- 3 days per week starting February 23, 2026
