Microsoft developed Windows and became the first company to reach a $3 trillion market capitalization during 2024.
Microsoft crossed the $3 trillion valuation threshold briefly on January 24, 2024, as its share price rose during trading. Market capitalization is calculated by multiplying the share price by the number of outstanding shares, so the milestone reflected the market value of Microsoft’s publicly traded equity at that moment.
The company was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Its early success came from software for personal computers, including the MS-DOS operating system. Windows later became one of the most widely used desktop operating systems in the world.
Microsoft’s modern business also includes Azure cloud computing, Microsoft 365, Xbox, LinkedIn, and enterprise software. The $3 trillion milestone was not a permanent fixed ranking: Apple and other companies have crossed similar thresholds as prices and share counts changed.