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REPORTED · NEWSPublished Jan 16, 2026

Microsoft Announces 15,000 Layoffs to Cut Costs

EMPLOYEES AFFECTED
15,000
SHARE OF WORKFORCE
~6.6%
EFFECTIVE DATE
Jan 18, 2023
15,000 OF 228,000 EMPLOYEES

What we know

Based on news reporting.

Summary

Microsoft Corporation has laid off 15,000 employees as part of a cost-saving strategy aimed at protecting profit margins. This significant reduction in workforce reflects the company's response to changing market conditions and economic pressures. The layoffs were officially announced in January 2023, marking a substantial effort by Microsoft to streamline operations and reduce expenses. The decision comes amidst broader trends in the tech industry, where many companies are also cutting jobs to navigate economic challenges. The company has indicated that it will halt hiring as part of these measures.

Microsoft Corporation cut 15,000 jobs as of January 18, 2023.

That is roughly 6.6% of the 228,000 people Microsoft Corporation employs.

LayoffTalk has tracked 44 layoff events at Microsoft Corporation since January 2023, affecting a combined 84,418 employees.

Comments (1)

Anonymous by default. Be kind — people reading this may be going through it right now.

LTLayoffTalk StaffStaff21 hours ago

Microsoft Corporation cut 15,000 jobs on October 22, 2025. Were you affected, or do you know people who were? How was it handled — severance, notice, which teams? You can post anonymously below.

SOURCE
News reporting
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M
Microsoft CorporationMSFT
Technology · 228,000 employees
44
EVENTS TRACKED
179K
AFFECTED SINCE 2023
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CREATED JAN 16, 2026LAST UPDATED MAY 1, 2026