Massive layoff rumors targeting Microsoft have been dominating social feeds lately, but the company’s leadership has quickly stepped in to emphatically shut down the speculation. Reports suggested that the tech giant was gearing up for deep cuts, potentially ranging between 11,000 and 22,000 employees, hitting teams across Azure Cloud, global sales, and the Xbox division. These purported reductions were reportedly being considered in January as Microsoft grapples with the rising infrastructure costs associated with its aggressive push into artificial intelligence.
The claims, which originated from a TipRanks report and quickly gained traction on platforms like X and Bluesky, were first challenged by industry commentators. Windows Central editor Jez Corden initially called the reports “false” concerning the Xbox side of the business. However, the most authoritative denial came shortly thereafter from Microsoft Chief Communications Officer (CCO) Frank X. Shaw.
Leveraging his nearly 17 years of experience with the corporation, Shaw took to social media to directly address the swirling reports. His message was unambiguous and brief: “100 percent made up / speculative / wrong.”
Despite the strong dismissal from the CCO himself, social media skepticism remains high. Nevertheless, Shaw has consistently stood by his statement, engaging with commenters and underscoring the finality of his denial regarding any imminent, massive job reductions.