Microsoft UX Designer Interview Questions (2026)

Landing a UX Designer role at Microsoft requires targeted preparation. Microsoft interviews typically include a phone screen followed by a full-day on-site loop with four to five interviewers. Each round focuses on different competencies including coding, system design, and behavioral assessment. The final round is often an As-Appropriate interview with a senior leader who makes the hiring decision. This guide covers the most frequently asked questions and insider tips to help you succeed in your Microsoft UX Designer interview.

About the Microsoft Interview Process

Microsoft interviews focus on coding ability, system design, and a growth mindset culture that values learning and collaboration.

Microsoft interviews typically include a phone screen followed by a full-day on-site loop with four to five interviewers. Each round focuses on different competencies including coding, system design, and behavioral assessment. The final round is often an As-Appropriate interview with a senior leader who makes the hiring decision.

Why Microsoft UX Designer Interviews Are Different

Microsoft UX Designer interviews differ from standard UX Designer interviews in several key ways. The company has a unique interview culture, specific evaluation criteria, and expects candidates to demonstrate alignment with their values and mission. Understanding these differences gives you a significant advantage over other candidates.

Top 10 UX Designer Interview Questions at Microsoft

1. Expect this at Microsoft: Walk me through your design process for a recent project.
2. Microsoft interviewers often ask: How do you conduct user research?
3. Microsoft candidates should prepare for: Explain the difference between UX and UI design.
4. At Microsoft, you might be asked: How do you handle disagreements with stakeholders about design decisions?
5. At Microsoft, you might be asked: Describe how you would improve the user experience of our product.
6. At Microsoft, you might be asked: What usability testing methods do you prefer?
7. Microsoft candidates should prepare for: How do you design for accessibility?
8. At Microsoft, you might be asked: What is your approach to creating design systems?
9. Expect this at Microsoft: How do you measure the success of a design?
10. Microsoft interviewers often ask: Describe a design challenge you overcame.

Microsoft-Specific Preparation Tips for UX Designer Candidates

• Practice coding in your preferred language with emphasis on clean, readable code
• Study object-oriented design patterns and SOLID principles
• Prepare examples demonstrating a growth mindset and willingness to learn
• Be ready to discuss how you handle feedback and iterate on your work
• Research the specific team and product you are interviewing for

General UX Designer Interview Tips

• Bring a portfolio with detailed case studies
• Show your process, not just final designs
• Be ready to do a live design exercise
• Discuss how you incorporate user feedback into iterations

Preparation Timeline for Microsoft UX Designer Interviews

• 4 weeks before: Research Microsoft culture, recent news, and the specific team you are applying to.
• 2-3 weeks before: Practice technical questions daily and prepare behavioral stories using the STAR method.
• 1 week before: Do full mock interviews with HireFlow AI simulating Microsoft interview style.
• Day before: Review your notes, prepare questions for the interviewer, and get a good night of rest.

Practice Microsoft UX Designer Interview with HireFlow AI — our AI adapts to Microsoft's interview style and gives real-time feedback.