Microsoft Interview Questions & Process (2026)
2,201 real interview questions across 13 Microsoft roles, with the round-by-round process and how to prepare. Team-based hiring where the loop runs inside the hiring org, typically 4-5 rounds in a single virtual/onsite day, ending with an 'As Appropriate (AsApp)' round with a senior manager who has effective veto; friendlier pacing than Google/Meta with more emphasis on practical problem solving.
Roles covered
13
pick yours below
Questions
2,201
across all roles
Rounds
6
typical loop
Microsoft rating
3.78/5
Top 99% in Software Product
Choose your role at Microsoft
Microsoft Security Engineer
200 interview questions · 200 tailored →
Microsoft Frontend Engineer
166 interview questions · 166 tailored →
Microsoft Full Stack Engineer
331 interview questions · 166 tailored →
Microsoft Qa Automation Engineer Sdet
30 interview questions · 30 tailored →
Microsoft AI Engineer
200 interview questions →
Microsoft Backend Engineer
165 interview questions →
Microsoft Big Data Engineer
72 interview questions →
Microsoft Cloud Engineer
200 interview questions →
Microsoft Data Engineer
72 interview questions →
Microsoft DevOps Engineer
200 interview questions →
Microsoft Generative AI Engineer
200 interview questions →
Microsoft Site Reliability Engineer
200 interview questions →
Microsoft Software Development Engineer
165 interview questions →
Microsoft's interview process
- 1Recruiter screen30 min
Role alignment, team options, and logistics with a recruiter.
- 2Online assessment (Codility)60 min
Timed coding problems used mainly for early-career and campus screening in India.
- 3Coding interview 145 min
DSA problem with production-quality code, testing, and edge cases in a shared editor.
- 4Coding interview 245 min
Harder algorithmic problem plus discussion of a past project's technical decisions.
- 5System design round60 min
Design a practical service (e.g. Teams presence, OneDrive sync) with API contracts and Azure-flavored components.
- 6As Appropriate (AsApp) round45 min
Senior manager assesses growth mindset, long-term potential, and overall fit; effectively the closing behavioral gate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the interview process at Microsoft?
Microsoft typically runs about 6 rounds: Recruiter screen → Online assessment (Codility) → Coding interview 1 → Coding interview 2 → System design round → As Appropriate (AsApp) round.
Which roles can I prepare for at Microsoft?
We have dedicated interview-question sets for 13 Microsoft roles: Security Engineer, Frontend Engineer, Full Stack Engineer, Qa Automation Engineer Sdet, AI Engineer, Backend Engineer, Big Data Engineer, Cloud Engineer, Data Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Generative AI Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer, Software Development Engineer.
What is the interview process at Microsoft?
The Microsoft interview process typically runs: Recruiter screen -> technical screen -> 4 'loop' rounds (coding, design, behavioral) -> as-appropriate (AA) debrief. Prepare for each round in order rather than only the first — the later stages usually carry the most weight.
How hard is the Microsoft interview?
Microsoft interviews are rated high difficulty. The bar is highest on coding — go deep there and practise explaining your reasoning out loud.
What does Microsoft look for in candidates?
Microsoft focuses on Coding, problem-solving, collaboration, growth mindset. Culturally, it values Growth mindset, customer obsession, inclusive collaboration. Line up your examples to hit both the technical bar and these values.
Compiled by PrepNPlaced from interview reports and question banks for Microsoft, cross-referenced with 2,179 employee reviews. Data refreshed 2026-08-13. Updated 2026.