Microsoft OA Questions 2026: What Candidates Actually Saw
Last updated: May 2026
13+ Microsoft online assessment questions reported by candidates who took the OA in 2026. Sourced from 1Point3Acres, LeetCode, Blind, Glassdoor, and Reddit. Data grows as new reports are added.
Microsoft OA Format in 2026
The Microsoft online assessment has followed a consistent format across multiple hiring cycles. Based on 2026 reports in the database, candidates typically see 2 to 3 algorithmic coding problems delivered through a proctored online platform (most commonly HackerRank). Some roles include additional behavioral or work-simulation components after the coding section.
Time limits reported by candidates range from 70 to 110 minutes for the full assessment. The coding problems are auto-graded, so edge case handling and runtime efficiency both matter. Partial credit is available on some platforms if your solution passes a subset of test cases.
Real Microsoft OA Questions from 2026
AI assisted coding interview experience - Microsoft SDE2
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Microsoft SDE Interview: Recover Corrupted Master Page and OA Analysis
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Microsoft Senior Applied Scientist L63 Interview Experience
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Microsoft interview: Problem Solving + UI Specialization and separate System Design round, advice needed
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Best Resources/Materials For FAANG Companies
Hello everyone. I would like to know what are the best resources when preparing for FAANG coding interview? I am asking this because I feel that OA are now much harder than they were before. I am not
Microsoft MLE process
I just got an OA for an MLE role at Microsoft. On surface level searching, I couldn't find any information on what to expect from the OA/interviews/process. I didn't even know Microsoft had MLE roles
Microsoft New Grad Position Question
I applied for a new grad role at Microsoft two weeks ago, got an OA one week ago, and did the OA (with perfect score) the day after. How long might it take to get a response for final round? For conte
Microsoft SDE OA Online Assessment March 2026 Experience
Just finished a Microsoft OA and wanted to share the thinking patterns that helped. Problem 1 — Think: "minimum window with a condition" If you see a problem asking for the shortest subarray satisfyin
Microsoft IC2 Online Assessment – What to Expect?
Hi all, I got the Microsoft Online Assessment for IC2 level. Has anyone taken it recently? What kind of questions were asked? I couldn’t find more information on Leetcode’s discussion section, hence a
Microsoft SWE-II Interview Experience February 2026
Microsoft Interview Experience (Feb 2026 | 4 Rounds) Applied for multiple roles. Recruiter reached out on **23 Feb** and scheduled first 2 rounds on **27 Feb**. --- ## 🔹 Round 1 – LLD (Multi-Level P
Microsoft SDE 2 L61/62 Interview Experience
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How to prepare for Microsoft IC4 (Senior) OA - USA
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Topic Breakdown (2026 OA)
Topics reported by candidates who took the Microsoft OA in 2026:
Difficulty Breakdown (2026 OA)
3
easy
2
hard
Difficulty labels are reported by candidates or inferred from LeetCode ratings.
How to Prepare for the Microsoft OA
The Microsoft OA is a timed, auto-graded coding test. Preparation is different from interview prep: you need to optimize for both correctness and speed, since partial credit requires passing test cases, not just showing reasoning.
- Practice timed sessions. Set a timer for 35 to 45 minutes per problem and simulate the real constraint.
- Focus on the topic clusters that appear most in Microsoft OA reports: dynamic programming, graphs, arrays, and strings make up the majority of reported problems.
- Read the problem constraints carefully before writing code. The constraints often reveal the expected time complexity and algorithm type.
- Use the LeakCode database to review 2026 OA questions from actual candidates. Pattern recognition across multiple sightings is a stronger prep signal than any single mock problem.
- If the OA includes a work simulation section, practice under realistic conditions. This section tests judgment and values alignment, not coding ability.
FAQ
What does the Microsoft OA look like in 2026?
Based on 2026 candidate reports, the Microsoft OA typically includes 2 to 3 coding problems and runs 70 to 110 minutes. Topics lean toward dynamic programming, graphs, arrays, and strings. Some roles include a work simulation section after the coding component.
How long is the Microsoft OA?
Most candidates report 70 to 90 minutes for the coding component. Roles with additional work simulation sections extend the total time to 110 to 150 minutes. Check your invitation email for the exact time allocation for your specific role.
What platform does Microsoft use for the OA?
Microsoft uses HackerRank or its own proprietary platform depending on the role and hiring cycle. Your invitation will specify the platform. Both platforms support multiple languages including Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript.
Are these real Microsoft OA questions?
Yes. All questions in the LeakCode database come from candidate reports on 1Point3Acres, Blind, Glassdoor, Reddit, and LeetCode. They are not AI-generated. Each question links to its source where available.
Other Microsoft OA Years
Related: Microsoft OA Hub · Microsoft All Questions · All OA Questions · Data Sources