Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company based in Redmond, Washington. Founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Microsoft grew to become a leader in the rise of personal computers with software like Windows. Today, it is one of the most valuable public companies and the largest software company by revenue in the world.

Over the years, Microsoft has expanded into many areas, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and video gaming. The company created popular products such as the Microsoft Office suite, which includes programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as the Xbox brand of video game consoles. Microsoft also offers services like Bing web search and the Azure cloud platform.

In 2024, Microsoft released Office 2024, updating its productivity software for users. While it has achieved great success, the company has also faced criticism for some of its business practices and the way its software works. Despite this, Microsoft remains a key part of modern technology and computing.

History

Main article: History of Microsoft

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Microsoft.

1972–1985: Founding

Childhood friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen wanted to create a business using their skills in computer programming. In 1972, they started Traf-O-Data, which sold a simple computer to track and analyze automobile traffic data.

In 1975, a magazine showed a new microcomputer that inspired Allen to suggest they could program it. They created a working program and showed it to the company, which agreed to distribute it. Gates and Allen established Microsoft in 1975, with Gates as CEO. The company grew and moved its headquarters to Bellevue, Washington in 1979.

1985–1994: Windows and Office

In 1985, Microsoft released Windows 1.0, a graphical extension for computers. The company moved its headquarters to Redmond, Washington in 1986 and went public that same year. In 1990, Microsoft introduced the Microsoft Office suite, which included applications like Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. By 1995, both Office and Windows had become very popular.

1995–2007: Foray into the Web, Windows 95, Windows XP, and Xbox

Following a memo by Bill Gates in 1995, Microsoft began expanding into new areas like the internet. The company released Windows 95 in 1995, which quickly became a success. In 1996, Microsoft created a new cable news channel. In 2001, Microsoft released Windows XP and entered the video game console market with the Xbox.

2007–2011: Microsoft Azure, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Microsoft Stores

In 2007, Microsoft released Windows Vista, which focused on security and new features. In 2008, Microsoft launched its entry into cloud computing with Azure Services Platform. The first Microsoft Store opened in 2009, the same day Windows 7 was released.

2011–2014: Windows 8/8.1, Xbox One, Outlook.com, and Surface devices

In 2011, Microsoft released Windows 8, designed for both personal computers and tablets. The company also introduced the Surface line of devices. In 2012, Microsoft launched Outlook.com and acquired Skype.

2014–2020: Windows 10, Microsoft Edge, and HoloLens

In 2014, Steve Ballmer stepped down as CEO and Satya Nadella took over. Microsoft acquired Nokia’s devices and services and focused more on cloud computing. In 2015, Windows 10 was released.

2020–present: Acquisitions, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows 11

In 2020, Microsoft released the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles. In 2021, Microsoft announced Windows 11, released in 2022. The company continued to grow through acquisitions and focused on cloud computing and AI.

Corporate affairs

See also: Criticism of Microsoft; Internet censorship in China; and Embrace, extend, and extinguish

Microsoft is one of the biggest companies in the United States. It makes a lot of money from selling software and other technology products. In 2022, it was ranked among the top companies in the country and was the world's largest maker of software. Microsoft has been very successful and is worth a lot of money.

The company is led by a group of people called a board of directors. They help make big decisions. Microsoft has had different leaders over the years, starting with Bill Gates, then Steve Ballmer, and now Satya Nadella.

Microsoft has grown by buying other companies and selling shares of its stock to people who want to invest. The company has also faced times when it needed to let people go, such as during economic challenges.

Microsoft works with governments and faces challenges to keep information safe and private. It has taken steps to improve how it protects data and gives people more information about government requests.

Corporate identity

Microsoft is a big technology company known for creating software that helped personal computers become popular. It has grown to include many areas like internet services, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and video games.

The company values understanding what customers need and quickly creating new products based on their feedback. Microsoft also focuses on supporting developers and users through online communities and resources. Over the years, Microsoft has worked on making its workplace better for employees and has taken steps to help the environment by using cleaner energy sources and reducing its carbon footprint. The company has offices around the world, with its main headquarters in Redmond, Washington.