Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchIn May 2022, Microsoft reportedly planned to nearly double its annual budget for merit-based salary increases and raise annual stock compensation ranges by at least 25% for employees at senior director level and below. This is a historical report, not evidence of a new 2026 pay policy.
What did Microsoft reportedly change?
A 2022 report by Thurrott.com, citing GeekWire and an internal memo from CEO Satya Nadella, described changes to two parts of employee compensation. The original memo and GeekWire report were not independently verified here, so the figures below should be understood as reported plans, not independently confirmed implementation details.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Microsoft Complete For Business - 3 Year Extended Warranty - Warranty | $290.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| Compensation element | What the 2022 report said |
|---|---|
| Merit-based salary-increase budget | Microsoft planned to nearly double its annual budget. Individual increases were not stated as a uniform percentage raise. |
| Annual stock compensation ranges | Ranges were to increase by at least 25% for employees through level 67, including senior directors. |
The two figures describe different things: the salary figure concerns the pool available for merit increases, while the stock figure concerns compensation ranges. The report does not establish that every covered employee received a raise of a particular amount.
Which employees were covered?
Employees through senior director level
The reported stock-range increase applied to employees at level 67 and below, including senior directors. The report described the change as a rise in ranges, not a guaranteed increase in every employee’s individual award.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
General managers and vice presidents
The report said general managers, vice presidents, and other upper-level executives were not covered by the changes.
How were merit increases expected to vary?
According to the 2022 account, merit budgets would differ by country based on local market data. The most meaningful increases were expected in markets with the strongest demand and for early- to mid-career employees. The report does not give country-by-country percentages, individual award amounts, or exact rollout timing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does this mean Microsoft is changing pay in 2026?
No. The compensation story concerns a reported plan from 2022. Microsoft’s July 6, 2026 workforce communication announced the elimination of around 4,800 roles, about 2.1% of its global workforce, and described adjustments to resources and roles. That was a separate workforce announcement; it does not verify a new compensation-policy change.
Microsoft’s FY2025 proxy statement discusses executive compensation and company performance. It is not evidence that the employee compensation changes reported in 2022 remain in effect.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsQuick Recap
What the report does not establish
- The exact size of the merit budget or the raise any individual employee received.
- How the stock ranges were implemented or how awards changed for particular employees.
- The rollout schedule or country-level amounts.
- Whether the reported 2022 policy is still in force.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
