Company Transition Center

Offered a buyout at Microsoft? Start here.

Microsoft is offering some employees a Voluntary Exit Offer. Here is what is public, and what to check before you decide.

Get started freeFacts on this page come from the public record, with a source next to each one. Last checked November 2, 2026. Offboard has no relationship with Microsoft.Work outside the US? See what's different

Announced: October 26, 2026
Decide by: Early December, as reported
Leave: End of the year, as reported
Site on record: Redmond, Washington

What Microsoft did.

Microsoft's dates and figures come from the public record, newest first, each with its source.

Microsoft · October 26, 2026Microsoft voluntary exit offer
- Who can take iteligible employees in participating teams in Canada, India, the United Kingdom and the United States at level 70 and belowSource: Microsoft, October 26, 2026 · matched to the source automatically October 26, 2026
- Eligible employeesAround 60,000 people are eligibleSource: CNBC, October 26, 2026 · matched to the source automatically November 2, 2026

Earlier at Microsoft

Microsoft · September 22, 2026Microsoft layoffs
- Xbox jobs268 roles in Xbox Game StudiosSource: GeekWire, September 22, 2026 · matched to the source automatically October 9, 2026
- Washington WARN filing277 | 2026-09-22
  Workers and notice date from the state's WARN listing, as republished by LaborCurrent.
  Source: LaborCurrent (state WARN listings) · matched to the source automatically October 15, 2026
- Notified dateEmployees were notified on Sept. 22Source: TheStreet, September 28, 2026 · matched to the source automatically October 26, 2026
Microsoft · July 6, 2026Microsoft layoffs
- Washington WARN filing605 | 2026-07-06
  Workers and notice date from the state's WARN listing, as republished by LaborCurrent.
  Source: LaborCurrent (state WARN listings) · matched to the source automatically October 9, 2026
Microsoft · September 8, 2025Microsoft layoffs
- Washington WARN filing42 | 2025-09-08
  Workers and notice date from the state's WARN listing, as republished by LaborCurrent.
  Source: LaborCurrent (state WARN listings) · matched to the source automatically October 9, 2026
Microsoft · August 4, 2025Microsoft layoffs
- Washington WARN filing40 | 2025-08-04
  Workers and notice date from the state's WARN listing, as republished by LaborCurrent.
  Source: LaborCurrent (state WARN listings) · matched to the source automatically October 9, 2026
Microsoft · July 2, 2025Microsoft layoffs
- Washington WARN filing830 | 2025-07-02
  Workers and notice date from the state's WARN listing, as republished by LaborCurrent.
  Source: LaborCurrent (state WARN listings) · matched to the source automatically October 9, 2026
- Workforce shareIts latest layoffs would cut fewer than 4% of that workforce, according to Microsoft.Source: The Associated Press (via KBTX), July 2, 2025 · matched to the source automatically October 16, 2026
Microsoft · June 2, 2025Microsoft layoffs
- California WARN filing7 | 2025-06-02
  Workers and notice date from the state's WARN listing, as republished by LaborCurrent.
  Source: LaborCurrent (state WARN listings) · matched to the source automatically October 9, 2026
- California WARN filing1 | 2025-06-02
  Workers and notice date from the state's WARN listing, as republished by LaborCurrent.
  Source: LaborCurrent (state WARN listings) · matched to the source automatically October 9, 2026
- Washington WARN filing305 | 2025-06-02
  Workers and notice date from the state's WARN listing, as republished by LaborCurrent.
  Source: LaborCurrent (state WARN listings) · matched to the source automatically October 9, 2026
Microsoft · May 13, 2025Microsoft layoffs
- California WARN filing82 | 2025-05-13
  Workers and notice date from the state's WARN listing, as republished by LaborCurrent.
  Source: LaborCurrent (state WARN listings) · matched to the source automatically October 9, 2026
- California WARN filing3 | 2025-05-13
  Workers and notice date from the state's WARN listing, as republished by LaborCurrent.
  Source: LaborCurrent (state WARN listings) · matched to the source automatically October 9, 2026
- California WARN filing1 | 2025-05-13
  Workers and notice date from the state's WARN listing, as republished by LaborCurrent.
  Source: LaborCurrent (state WARN listings) · matched to the source automatically October 9, 2026
- Washington WARN filing1,985 | 2025-05-13
  Workers and notice date from the state's WARN listing, as republished by LaborCurrent.
  Source: LaborCurrent (state WARN listings) · matched to the source automatically October 9, 2026
- People affectedabout 6,000 peopleSource: CNBC, May 13, 2025 · matched to the source automatically October 9, 2026
- Workforce shareor 3% of its workforceSource: CNBC, May 13, 2025 · matched to the source automatically October 9, 2026
Microsoft · September 12, 2024Microsoft gaming layoffs
- People affectedlaying off around 650 employees
  Microsoft said the cuts were in its gaming division.
  Source: The Verge, September 12, 2024 · matched to the source automatically October 15, 2026
Microsoft · June 3, 2024Microsoft job cuts
- People affectedaround 1,000 jobs across the company
  Microsoft confirmed job cuts in Mixed Reality and other units.
  Source: GeekWire, June 3, 2024 · matched to the source automatically October 15, 2026
Microsoft · January 25, 2024Microsoft gaming layoffs
- People affectedcutting about 1,900 jobs
  The cuts were at Activision Blizzard and Xbox.
  Source: The Guardian, January 25, 2024 · matched to the source automatically October 15, 2026
Microsoft · July 10, 2023Microsoft layoffs
- California WARN filing40 | 2023-07-10
  Workers and notice date from the state's WARN listing, as republished by LaborCurrent.
  Source: LaborCurrent (state WARN listings) · matched to the source automatically October 15, 2026
- Washington WARN filing276 | 2023-07-10
  Workers and notice date from the state's WARN listing, as republished by LaborCurrent.
  Source: LaborCurrent (state WARN listings) · matched to the source automatically October 15, 2026
Microsoft · January 18, 2023Microsoft layoffs
- People affectedeliminate 10,000 jobsSource: Reuters, January 18, 2023 · matched to the source automatically October 15, 2026
- WARN filingterminating 878 full-time workersSource: Reuters, January 18, 2023 · matched to the source automatically October 15, 2026
- Workforce shareless than 5% of Microsoft's workforceSource: Reuters, January 18, 2023 · matched to the source automatically October 15, 2026
Microsoft · July 16, 2020Microsoft layoffs
- People affectedless than 1,000 jobsSource: Business Insider, July 16, 2020 · matched to the source automatically October 15, 2026

This page is compiled from the public sources linked beside each figure. Check the source before you rely on a figure.Report an error

Before you decide

Five things to check before you decide.

Taking the offer is your choice. Check these first, with what the public record says about Microsoft's Voluntary Exit Offer.

Work outside the US?

The checks below follow US rules, and so does Offboard's Layoff Plan. Each country has its own. Start with its government's page.

CanadaContact Service Canada before you accept.
Employment Insurance
“If you voluntarily quit your job after your employer gave you the opportunity to do so as part of a workforce reduction, you may receive regular benefits as long as you qualify. However, your employer must show that the layoff is permanent and that you quitting your job helped preserve a coworker's job.”
Source: Government of Canada, Employment Insurance and voluntary leaving · checked October 30, 2026
IndiaAsk a tax adviser how the payment is taxed before you accept.
Tax on voluntary retirement compensation
“Such compensation is taxable in the hands of the employees as profit in lieu of salary.”
The same page lists an exemption under Section 10(10C) of up to Rs. 500,000 when the scheme meets its conditions. Whether an offer meets them is a question for a tax adviser.
Source: Income Tax Department, Taxability of Retirement Benefits · checked October 30, 2026
United KingdomAsk whether the offer counts as redundancy before you accept.
Redundancy rights
“Redundancy is a form of dismissal from your job. It happens when employers need to reduce their workforce.”
“You can get advice on redundancy from Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) or Citizens Advice.”
Source: GOV.UK, Redundancy: your rights · checked October 30, 2026

Microsoft: “This offer will be available to eligible employees in participating teams in Canada, India, the United Kingdom and the United States at level 70 and below.” Source: Microsoft, October 26, 2026 · checked October 30, 2026

Now
Save your offer and its deadline
Your offer has your own terms and your own deadline. Save it and every document it links to. An unemployment claim may ask about them.
For Microsoft
“Eligible employees have until early December to decide whether to accept the company's latest offer, Business Insider reports.” Source: Axios Seattle, October 26, 2026 · checked October 26, 2026
“Those who accept will exit at the end of the year.” Source: Axios Seattle, October 26, 2026 · checked October 26, 2026
Before you decide
Ask how leaving by choice affects unemployment benefits
Taking an offer can change whether you qualify. The agency in the state where you worked decides every claim, so ask it before you accept.
If you worked in Washington
Washington law treats a person who volunteers for a layoff as “unemployed through no fault of their own” when the state finds that the employer announced in writing that it “planned to reduce its workforce through a layoff or reduction in force” and that employees “could offer to be among those included in the layoff or reduction in force.” It does not apply when an employer “encourages early retirement or early separation” without those steps. The ESD decides every claim.
Source: Washington State Legislature, RCW 50.20.055 · checked October 26, 2026
Ask before you acceptEmployment Security Department Worked in another stateFind your state's unemployment office
If you're on a work visa
Know what leaving does to your visa
Taking the offer ends the job your status depends on. Talk to an immigration attorney before you accept, not after.
On an H-1B
USCIS: “If you are laid off, fired, quit, or otherwise cease employment with your previous employer, you may have up to 60 consecutive days or until the end of your authorized validity period, whichever is shorter, to find new employment, change status, or depart the country.” Source: USCIS, H-1B Specialty Occupations · checked October 30, 2026
Other work visas have their own rules. Ask an immigration attorney about yours.
Before you sign
Compare the offer with what you would give up
Weigh the severance against the pay, the stock that has not vested, and any bonus you would get by staying. Your own offer is the only one that applies to you.
What to check in a severance agreement
For Microsoft
“The terms of the buyout will be similar to Microsoft’s standard severance.” Source: TechCrunch, October 26, 2026 · checked October 26, 2026
Before coverage ends
Understand your COBRA / health insurance options
If you leave, your coverage changes. You have a limited time to choose, and COBRA is only one option.
Health insurance after a layoff

If you take the offer, Offboard's Layoff Plan starts from your last day.

Get started free

Weighing the same offer as others? Talk it through in the Offboard community

Offboard is independent, not a government agency, and claiming your benefits is always free.

Company info

About Microsoft

microsoft.com

“Microsoft is a technology company committed to making digital technology and artificial intelligence (“AI”) available broadly and doing so responsibly.”

Microsoft, in its own words. Source: Microsoft 10-K for fiscal 2026 (SEC) · checked October 15, 2026

Offboard has no relationship with Microsoft.

Headquarters: Redmond, WashingtonSource: Microsoft 10-K for fiscal 2026 (SEC) · checked October 15, 2026
Founded: 1975Source: Microsoft 10-K for fiscal 2026 (SEC) · checked October 15, 2026
Ownership: Public, Nasdaq: MSFTSource: Microsoft 10-K for fiscal 2026 (SEC) · checked October 15, 2026
Employees: About 223,000 full-time (June 30, 2026)Source: Microsoft 10-K for fiscal 2026 (SEC) · checked October 15, 2026
Site on record: Redmond, WashingtonFrom the public record on this page

Questions

What people ask about Microsoft.

When do I have to decide on Microsoft's Voluntary Exit Offer?

“Eligible employees have until early December to decide whether to accept the company's latest offer, Business Insider reports.” Source: Axios Seattle, October 26, 2026 · checked October 26, 2026

“Those who accept will exit at the end of the year.” Source: Axios Seattle, October 26, 2026 · checked October 26, 2026

Your own offer has your own deadline. Go by that.

How many people did Microsoft offer the buyout to?

“Microsoft is offering buyouts to around 60,000 employees, the company confirmed to TechCrunch on Monday.” Source: TechCrunch, October 26, 2026 · checked October 26, 2026

That is how many were offered it, not how many will take it.

Can I get unemployment if I take the Microsoft buyout?

In Washington, the law treats a person who volunteers for a layoff as “unemployed through no fault of their own” when the state finds that the employer announced in writing that it “planned to reduce its workforce through a layoff or reduction in force” and that employees “could offer to be among those included in the layoff or reduction in force.” It does not apply when an employer “encourages early retirement or early separation” without those steps. The ESD decides every claim. Source: Washington State Legislature, RCW 50.20.055 · checked October 26, 2026

Each state has its own rules, and the agency in the state where you worked decides. Ask it before you accept: Find your state's unemployment office (CareerOneStop, sponsored by the US Department of Labor).

I'm on an H-1B. What happens if I take the Microsoft buyout?

USCIS: “If you are laid off, fired, quit, or otherwise cease employment with your previous employer, you may have up to 60 consecutive days or until the end of your authorized validity period, whichever is shorter, to find new employment, change status, or depart the country.” Source: USCIS, H-1B Specialty Occupations · checked October 30, 2026

Other work visas have their own rules. Talk to an immigration attorney before you accept.

I work outside the US. Does this page apply to me?

Only in part. The unemployment, health coverage and state law sections follow US rules. Start with your own government's page:

Canada: Government of Canada, Employment Insurance and voluntary leaving
India: Income Tax Department, Taxability of Retirement Benefits
United Kingdom: GOV.UK, Redundancy: your rights

Is Microsoft giving severance?

“The terms of the buyout will be similar to Microsoft’s standard severance.” Source: TechCrunch, October 26, 2026 · checked October 26, 2026

Your own offer is the only one that applies to you.

I worked remotely for Microsoft. Where do I file for unemployment?

USA.gov: “In most cases, you should file for unemployment in the state where you worked instead of in the state where you live. If you worked outside the state where you currently live or worked remotely, contact your home state’s unemployment office to get help with filing a claim in a different state.” Source: USA.gov, Unemployment benefits · checked September 28, 2026

Find your state's unemployment office (CareerOneStop, sponsored by the US Department of Labor). If you worked at Microsoft's site on record, that is the Employment Security Department. Offboard never sits between you and the agency.

Can I get unemployment if I got severance in Washington?

The ESD states: “Severance pay does not usually affect your unemployment benefits.” The same page asks you to report severance pay when you file your weekly claims. The ESD decides every claim. Source: Washington ESD, How to file your weekly claims · checked September 28, 2026

Is Offboard part of Microsoft or the government?

No. Offboard is independent of Microsoft and is not affiliated with it. Offboard is independent, not a government agency, and claiming your benefits is always free.

Offboard helps people organize their transition and reach official sources. Government agencies and program providers make eligibility, benefit, and approval decisions. Offboard does not replace qualified legal, tax, financial, healthcare, or benefits guidance. We never promise funding. We show you the exact path to find out.

What does Offboard do after a layoff?

Tell Offboard what happened and get a plan that covers the money, the benefits, and the search, in the order they actually matter. Getting started is free.

You do not need the whole plan today

Start with what changed.

Tell Offboard what happened and get a plan that covers the money, the benefits, and the search, in the order they actually matter.

Get started free Talk to a person

Independent support. Start free.