Microsoft introduced Windows 95 in 1995 and became a leading global market-cap company.
Windows 95 was a major release in Microsoft’s history because it combined a graphical desktop environment with stronger support for consumer computing. Its launch helped make personal computers more approachable for a mass audience.
Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. It first became widely known for software such as Microsoft BASIC and the MS-DOS operating system, then expanded into Windows, Office, cloud computing, gaming, and enterprise services.
Market capitalization changes with share price, so rankings vary by date. Microsoft is nevertheless a recurring member of the group of companies with the world’s largest listed valuations. A common mix-up is treating Windows as Microsoft’s entire business; Azure, Office, gaming, and other services are also major parts of the company.