Microsoft is reportedly making AI usage mandatory for its employees, tying it directly to manager evaluations. An internal memo from Julia Liuson, Corporate Vice President of the Developer Division, reportedly states that AI use is now a core part of every role, no longer optional. This move signals a shift in how the company expects its workforce to adopt AI tools in their daily tasks.
Liuson’s memo reportedly says, “AI is now a basic part of how we work. Just like collaboration, data-driven thinking, and helpful communication, using AI is no longer optional-it’s core to every role and every level.” The logic seems straightforward: those building Microsoft’s AI products should be among their primary users to understand firsthand the user experience. Still, it feels like Microsoft is relying on performance reviews as a means to encourage reluctant employees to adopt AI tools that haven’t yet won over hearts.
Take Copilot, for example. Despite Microsoft’s efforts, it struggles with adoption and backlash, especially around features like Recall. Recall automatically takes screenshots every few seconds to help users find past activities, but it raised security and privacy concerns when it was first announced. Microsoft had to make the feature optional after public outcry, though a beta for Recall is now rolling out selectively.
Yikes, right? Even with those changes, trust in Copilot’s security claims remains shaky, and many users aren’t convinced. To put things in perspective, ChatGPT boasts approximately 400 million active users as of 2025, while Copilot lags at around 33 million. That’s a considerable gap, suggesting that Microsoft’s AI tools aren’t the go-to choice for many, including internally.
Windows users have also been vocal about their dislike of Copilot, often labeling it as bloatware that is being forced upon them. One user bluntly said, “The way that Microsoft is forcing AI in our PCs even though 90% of its users don’t want AI is just annoying.” That sentiment isn’t rare. The default installation of Copilot in Windows 11 only adds fuel to the fire, creating a perception that AI is being forced upon everyone.
Microsoft’s push raises some interesting questions. How helpful will performance reviews be in convincing employees to embrace AI tools they might distrust or dislike? Could this mandatory adoption backfire and create resentment? And what does this mean for the future of AI integration in workplaces beyond Microsoft?
What do you think about Microsoft making AI use a requirement for employees? Is this the right move, or is it just corporate pressure dressed up in performance metrics? Let me know in the comments below, I’m curious to hear your take!
