Microsoft is overhauling its big sales and marketing organization in a move that will cut 3,000 to 4,000 jobs, mostly outside the United States.

A Microsoft spokesman confirmed that “roles will be eliminated” and that most of them will be abroad, but he declined to be specific. The precise number is uncertain partly because in some countries, especially in Europe, labor laws require negotiations. The possible total was described by a person familiar with Microsoft’s plans, who was not authorized to speak on the record about them.

Microsoft workers were notified on Thursday if their current job was affected. Some of the workers will get other jobs within the software company.

“This is being done mainly to evolve the skill sets we need,” said Frank Shaw, a Microsoft spokesman.