Microsoft introduced Windows and became one of the first publicly traded firms valued above $3 trillion.
Microsoft launched the first retail version of Windows in 1985, adding a graphical operating environment to its MS-DOS platform. Windows eventually became the dominant operating system for IBM-compatible personal computers, creating a major foundation for Microsoft’s long-term growth.
The company was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975. Its business later expanded from operating systems and productivity software into servers, cloud computing, gaming, professional networking, and enterprise subscriptions. Azure became a particularly important part of Microsoft’s modern market value.
Microsoft briefly crossed the $3 trillion market-capitalization mark in January 2024. The figure reflected the market price of its publicly traded shares and could move below the threshold as prices changed. Market cap is not the same as annual revenue, profit, or the total value of all company assets.