Microsoft, founded in 1975, became one of the world’s most valuable listed technology companies.
Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on April 4, 1975. The company first gained attention by developing software for personal computers, including its version of the BASIC programming language and later the MS-DOS operating system.
Microsoft’s market value expanded as Windows and Office became central products for consumers and businesses. The company later built major businesses in cloud computing through Azure, professional networking through LinkedIn, gaming through Xbox, and enterprise software through products such as Dynamics.
Microsoft went public in 1986. Its position among the world’s richest companies by market capitalization reflects the market’s valuation of expected future earnings, not simply the historical importance of Windows. The company’s recurring software subscriptions and cloud services became increasingly important to its financial profile.