Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsMicrosoft agreed to a $14.425 million settlement resolving California allegations that workers who took protected leave were disadvantaged in compensation and advancement decisions. A court approved the consent decree on August 8, 2024, but the settlement is not a finding or admission that Microsoft violated the law. For potentially covered workers, eligibility depends on California employment, qualifying leave, and the settlement period; accepting a mailed payment also releases specified claims.
What California alleged—and what the settlement establishes
On July 3, 2024, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) announced a proposed settlement after a multi-year investigation. CRD alleged that Microsoft retaliated against or discriminated against employees who used protected parental, disability, pregnancy, or family-care leave. The agency said the alleged disadvantages affected compensation and promotion opportunities, including bonuses and performance reviews that could influence merit increases, stock awards, and promotions. These are allegations, not findings that the conduct occurred. CRD’s announcement describes the claims and proposed remedy.
The court approved the consent decree on August 8, 2024. Microsoft denied unlawful conduct, and the decree resolves the enforcement action without a court finding or Microsoft admission of wrongdoing. The case concerned alleged workplace consequences tied to taking protected leave, not a claim that Microsoft denied every leave request. The settlement website and decree materials describe the resolution.
How the $14.425 million is allocated
The announced total is not all a direct payment pool for workers. CRD described $14.2 million for worker relief and settlement administration, plus a separate $225,000 for the department’s enforcement costs and attorneys’ fees. The final aggregate amount ultimately distributed to workers was not established in the official materials reviewed.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Brilliant Display – Stunning 13.8" PixelSense touchscreen[1], with brilliant LCD display[2], unleashes luminous whites, deeper blacks and colors so richly saturated bringing vivid life into every frame – perfect for work, school, streaming and creative tasks.
- Power that lasts all day – With 20 hours of battery life[3], the new Surface Laptop powers through your entire day, so you can create, work and stream from morning to night without reaching for a charger.
- Work at the speed of your ideas – Built with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite (12 Core) processors, Surface Laptop delivers fast, AI‑accelerated performance—making it the most powerful Surface laptop for everything from multitasking to demanding workloads.
- The ports you need – Charge on-the-go, transfer data fast, or create the ultimate desktop set up with two USB-C / USB4[4] ports.
- Built-in AI Companion – Work smarter, create freely, and communicate with confidence—Copilot[5] on Windows 11 is always there to help.
| Settlement component | Amount | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Worker relief and settlement administration | $14,200,000 | Worker payments and administration of the settlement |
| CRD enforcement costs and attorneys’ fees | $225,000 | Separate costs and fees for the agency |
| Total announced settlement | $14,425,000 | Combined amount announced by CRD |
CRD’s settlement FAQ says each covered worker receives a standard $1,500 base payment, plus an additional amount calculated using factors that include the worker’s highest salary during the settlement period, length of California employment, and protected leave taken. The additional amount varies, so the $1,500 base is not the same as every worker’s total payment.
Who may be covered
CRD identifies the settlement period as May 13, 2017 through August 9, 2024. Its FAQ describes a covered worker as someone who worked for Microsoft in California for at least 90 days during that period and took at least one leave protected under the relevant California or federal laws. Taking time off that was not protected leave, working outside California, or failing to meet the employment-duration requirement does not satisfy those stated criteria.
Rank #2
- With 16 GB of memory, runs as many programs as you want without losing the execution
- The 13.5" 2256 x 1504 screen provides a great movie watching experience
- 512 GB SSD is enough to store your essential documents and files, favorite songs, movies and pictures
- 8 Hours battery run time helps you stay unwired and work longer non-stop
- Employer and location: You worked for Microsoft in California.
- Time employed: You worked there for at least 90 days during the settlement period.
- Qualifying leave: You took at least one leave protected under the applicable California or federal laws during the period.
- Dates: The covered period runs from May 13, 2017 through August 9, 2024.
These are general criteria from CRD, not a determination about any individual’s status. Potentially covered workers should compare them with their own notice and the information from the official settlement website; those materials govern individual payment procedures.
What accepting a settlement check means
According to the official settlement FAQ, cashing or depositing a mailed settlement check counts as accepting payment and releases specified claims covered by the settlement. A person who does not participate receives no payment through this settlement and is not bound by that individual release. The FAQ describes the settlement mechanics, not individualized legal advice; review your notice and administrator materials to understand the claims and terms that apply to you.
Rank #3
- A PREMIUM PERFORMANCE LAPTOP — Ready for work, school, and creativity. Built for busy days, big projects, and nonstop multitasking. Run video calls, school and work apps, 20+ browser tabs, and AI tools at the same time without slowing down.
- WITH AI BUILT IN — With a dedicated AI chip (Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite), this Copilot+ PC[5] on Windows 11 helps you work smarter and faster. Prompt, create, and automate with ease - ready for even your most demanding tasks.
- A 13.8" TOUCHSCREEN YOU'LL ACTUALLY USE — Sharp colors, real detail, smooth 120Hz scrolling on the PixelSense touchscreen[1] with LCD display[2]. Tap, scroll, or pinch to zoom - whichever feels right for streaming, editing photos, or daily work.
- 20 HOURS OF BATTERY (LEAVE THE CHARGER) — Up to 20 hours of video playback[3] on a single charge. Work from a coffee shop, take it to class/work, or binge an entire season on a long flight — it'll keep up.
- THE PORTS YOU NEED — Two USB-C / USB4[4] ports for fast charging, big file transfers, or hooking up to three 4K monitors when you want a full desktop. Wi-Fi 7 keeps you online and fast wherever you are.
Other requirements imposed on Microsoft
The agreement also requires enhanced training for managers and human-resources personnel, and a third-party consultant to evaluate leave-related policies and guidelines, rewards or “impact” determinations, bonus-eligible salary calculations, and complaint investigations. CRD’s announcement also describes annual compliance reporting. These forward-looking measures are part of the decree, separate from the worker-payment formula.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Brilliant Display – Stunning 13.8" PixelSense touchscreen[1], with brilliant LCD display[2], unleashes luminous whites, deeper blacks and colors so richly saturated bringing vivid life into every frame – perfect for work, school, streaming and creative tasks.
- Power that lasts all day – With 20 hours of battery life[3], the new Surface Laptop powers through your entire day, so you can create, work and stream from morning to night without reaching for a charger.
- Work at the speed of your ideas – Built with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite (12 Core) processors, Surface Laptop delivers fast, AI‑accelerated performance—making it the most powerful Surface laptop for everything from multitasking to demanding workloads.
- The ports you need – Charge on-the-go, transfer data fast, or create the ultimate desktop set up with two USB-C / USB4[4] ports.
- Built-in AI Companion – Work smarter, create freely, and communicate with confidence—Copilot[5] on Windows 11 is always there to help.
Rank #4
- A PREMIUM PERFORMANCE LAPTOP — Ready for work, school, and creativity. Built for busy days, big projects, and nonstop multitasking. Run video calls, school and work apps, 20+ browser tabs, and AI tools at the same time without slowing down.
- WITH AI BUILT IN — With a dedicated AI chip (Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite), this Copilot+ PC[5] on Windows 11 helps you work smarter and faster. Prompt, create, and automate with ease - ready for even your most demanding tasks.
- A 15" TOUCHSCREEN YOU'LL ACTUALLY USE — Sharp colors, real detail, smooth 120Hz scrolling on the PixelSense touchscreen[1] with LCD display[2]. Tap, scroll, or pinch to zoom - whichever feels right for streaming, editing photos, or daily work.
- 19 HOURS OF BATTERY (LEAVE THE CHARGER) — Up to 19 hours of video playback[3] on a single charge. Work from a coffee shop, take it to class/work, or binge an entire season on a long flight — it'll keep up.
- Two USB-C / USB4[4] ports and a microSD card reader for fast charging, big file transfers, or hooking up to three 4K monitors when you want a full desktop. Wi-Fi 7 keeps you online and fast wherever you are.
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.
