Microsoft, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, developed Windows and became one of the world’s leading companies by market capitalization.
The company began in 1975, when Gates and Allen created software for the Altair 8800 microcomputer. Microsoft later supplied the MS-DOS operating system for IBM-compatible personal computers. Windows 1.0 appeared in 1985 as a graphical environment running on top of MS-DOS, and later versions became dominant on desktop computers.
Microsoft’s business eventually expanded well beyond operating systems. Its major products and services include Microsoft 365, Azure cloud computing, Xbox, LinkedIn, GitHub, and the professional networking platform LinkedIn. The company also owns the video game publisher behind the Xbox business.
Microsoft is often confused with Apple when people discuss the early personal-computer industry. Apple made the Macintosh, while Microsoft’s Windows became the most widely used desktop operating system on IBM-compatible PCs. Market capitalization rankings fluctuate with share prices.