Microsoft created the Windows operating system and became one of the world’s highest-valued companies.
Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975. Its early success came from software for personal computers, including the MS-DOS operating system supplied with IBM-compatible PCs. Windows later became Microsoft’s best-known consumer platform.
The company’s modern market value rests on a much broader business than desktop software. Microsoft earns revenue from cloud computing through Azure, business software such as Microsoft 365, gaming through Xbox, professional networking through LinkedIn, and enterprise services.
Microsoft became the second U.S. company to reach a $1 trillion market capitalization, following Apple in 2019. Its cloud business and investments in artificial intelligence have helped keep it among the companies competing for the world’s largest market capitalization.