Microsoft said it will give voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees. That is more than a quarter of its global workforce. The news shows how the company is trying to control costs while it spends a lot on AI.

Microsoft said the buyout can be taken by staff in AI experiences, Copilot, finance, human resources, Xbox and Windows + Devices. Workers in marketing, commercial business and security cannot apply. The offer is voluntary.

The buyouts are meant to contain costs and help fund Microsoft’s massive AI investments. Microsoft also said it will spend $175 billion on capital projects in 2026. It is spending hundreds of billions on AI data centres and chips.

Earlier this year Microsoft offered voluntary buyouts to about 9,000 U.S. employees, roughly 7% of its U.S. workforce. The plan shows the company’s strategy to manage money while growing its AI business.