The issue focused on research data that appeared to show more computer science jobs were lost in 2015 than were created. Microsoft said it had received 15,000 applications for software engineers and programmers over the past two years, but didn't list them by technology.

As Windows 10 devices become available in devices like smartphones and tablets, Microsoft has released desktop software updates that allow computers to run Windows software as well as phones and tablets. Microsoft also announced plans this month to create a digital computing center at Microsoft Research in Cambridge,