Microsoft offered voluntary buyouts to around 60,000 staff on October 26, 2026.
A buyout is money offered to leave a job by choice. No one is forced out.
Business Insider and Bloomberg reported the 60,000 figure. Microsoft did not confirm it.
Microsoft employs about 223,000 people. So 60,000 is more than one quarter.
Staff at vice president level and below on participating teams can take it.
The offer covers the United States, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom.
Marketing, commercial business, and security units are excluded from the offer.
AI experiences, Copilot, finance, Xbox, and Windows plus Devices are named.
Microsoft is spending huge sums on AI and data centers. Staff cuts help pay for it.
About 8,750 older staff were offered buyouts earlier in 2026. Over 30 per cent accepted.
Eligible staff can take the package and leave, or stay in their current job.
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