Microsoft introduced the Windows operating system and went public in 1986.
Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975. It first became widely known for developing software for personal computers, including the MS-DOS operating system and later Microsoft Windows.
Windows became one of the world’s dominant desktop operating systems, while Microsoft expanded into productivity software, business services, cloud computing, gaming, and professional networking. Those businesses helped Microsoft become one of the highest-market-capitalization companies.
Microsoft’s initial public offering took place on March 13, 1986. A common mistake is to describe Windows as Microsoft’s first product; the company initially developed and licensed BASIC interpreters before its operating-system business became dominant.