Microsoft has entered a fresh phase of workforce reductions that span multiple regions, affecting developers and other staff around the globe. The news has drawn attention from industry outlets, including GeekWire, which reported on the scope of the action.
Specific figures on the total number of laid-off employees were not disclosed publicly. Among those confirmed to have been impacted are software engineer Kenny Croskey and technical manager Corey Ebert, who announced their experiences on social media. Microsoft has not released a definitive headcount, but the leadership emphasized that the changes are part of ongoing strategic adjustments meant to keep the company competitive in a rapidly shifting tech landscape.
In June, Microsoft announced significant staff reductions, estimated at about 1,000 roles. A portion of those affected were involved with the HoloLens 2 project, as well as teams focused on Azure for Operators and Mission Engineering. Earlier communications indicated additional rounds impacting roughly 1,900 employees within the Activision Blizzard and Xbox divisions, a move that coincided with leadership transitions for Blizzard President Mike Ibarra and co-founder Allen Adam. The company described these steps as necessary to realign resources with evolving business priorities and product roadmaps.
From a broader perspective, Microsoft had kept a steady recruiting pace during the pandemic, bringing in a substantial number of new hires. As 2023 closed, the company reported a global workforce of about 227,000 people, marking a decline of roughly 5,000 employees from the previous year. This shift mirrors a wider industry pattern where large tech firms recalibrate headcount in response to market demand, cloud growth trajectories, and the push toward more efficient operations across divisions.
Separately, there were discussions about unofficial artifacts circulating online, including a government-unauthorized version of Windows 11. While such items circulate in various corners of the internet, Microsoft has consistently advised customers to obtain software only from official channels and to rely on supported, licensed updates. This stance remains part of the company’s broader emphasis on security, compatibility, and software integrity.
Industry observers note that layoffs at major tech players are often followed by strategic reorganizations that focus on core bets such as cloud services, artificial intelligence capabilities, and next-generation gaming ecosystems. Microsoft has reiterated that organizational changes are a normal part of steering long-term growth, balancing cost control with investments in high-potential technologies. Analysts stress that the impact on individual employees can be challenging, yet these moves frequently aim to preserve competitiveness, accelerate product delivery, and sustain shareholder value.