Microsoft Closes The Garage Maker Spaces, Ending a 17-Year Innovation Hub

Image: Microsoft shuts down its beloved maker space · Source

Microsoft is shutting down The Garage, its network of maker spaces that fostered employee innovation and experimental projects, marking the end of a 17-year legacy that produced successes like the Xbox Adaptive Controller and Seeing AI app.

Microsoft has announced the closure of The Garage, its widely appreciated set of maker spaces where employees could work on experimental projects and collaborate during the company’s renowned annual hackathon events. Established 17 years ago, The Garage was instrumental in nurturing innovation within Microsoft, allowing employees to prototype new hardware and software initiatives.

The Garage’s main facility was located on Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington campus and supported approximately 15 other locations globally, including sites in the US, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Employees used these spaces not only to experiment and build but also to transform hobbies into full-fledged Microsoft products.

Several notable products originated from Garage projects. Among them is the "Seeing AI" app, an AI-powered tool designed to describe objects and text for people with visual impairments, which emerged from a 2015 hackathon. Another is the Mouse Without Borders app, enabling control of multiple PCs with a single mouse and keyboard, developed by employee Tuong Do during off-hours. The Garage also contributed to accessibility enhancements in Microsoft Word, Edge, and PowerPoint.

Perhaps its most celebrated success was the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Originating as a hackathon effort to repurpose Kinect technology for accessible gaming, this project grew into a significant endeavor involving over 80 employees and culminated in a major product launch, highlighted by its feature in Microsoft’s 2019 Super Bowl commercial.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella frequently attended Garage hackathons, offering participants visibility before senior executives. However, as stated in an internal FAQ obtained by Notepad and reported by The Verge, Microsoft is “winding down The Garage program as a centralized function.” Some locations began closing as early as October 23, 2026.

Looking ahead, Microsoft is reimagining the annual hackathon to better align with current employee, customer, and technological needs. The company emphasizes that the "spirit of experimentation" is increasingly integrated into everyday team workflows rather than isolated in dedicated programs.

The closure follows other corporate reductions in learning and collaboration resources, such as the earlier shutdown of the employee library. Microsoft stated gratitude to those who contributed to The Garage’s legacy and expressed intent to continue fostering innovation through new approaches.

While the end of The Garage marks the closing of a unique maker-space culture within Microsoft, the company plans to evolve how it supports employee creativity and skill-building going forward. The rich history and impact of The Garage remain a significant chapter in Microsoft’s innovation story.