Microsoft

Corporate brand

A global technology company spanning operating systems, productivity software, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, gaming, developer tools, devices, and online services.

Last updated November 4, 2026

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First read: Oct 29, 2026
Latest read: Nov 4, 2026

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Overview

Microsoft is an American multinational technology company founded in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. The founders initially developed and marketed a BASIC interpreter for the Altair 8800 microcomputer. That early software partnership with Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems gave Microsoft a foothold in the emerging personal-computer industry and established its enduring focus on software platforms and developer ecosystems. The company’s decisive expansion began with operating systems. In 1980 Microsoft agreed to supply software for IBM’s forthcoming personal computer and obtained the rights to market a system based on 86-DOS, which it adapted and sold as MS-DOS. Microsoft retained important ownership and licensing rights, allowing the operating system to spread beyond IBM hardware to the wider IBM-compatible PC market. Windows began in 1985 as a graphical environment for MS-DOS and became increasingly capable through the 1990s. Windows 3.0, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows XP, and later releases made Microsoft the defining software platform provider of the PC era. Microsoft also built a powerful productivity-software franchise. Microsoft Office, introduced in 1990 as a bundle of applications including Word and Excel, became a standard business and education suite. The company expanded into server software, databases, developer tools, networking, and enterprise applications. Its growing control of PC operating systems and software distribution attracted extensive antitrust scrutiny in the United States and Europe, including the United States v. Microsoft case and later European Commission proceedings concerning interoperability, media-player bundling, and server protocols. During the late 1990s and 2000s, Microsoft broadened its consumer and online activities. It developed Internet Explorer, MSN, Bing, Outlook.com, and other online services; entered the console-gaming market with Xbox in 2001; and released Windows Server, SQL Server, Visual Studio, and related enterprise products. Under Steve Ballmer, who became chief executive in 2000, Microsoft acquired Skype, introduced the Surface hardware line, pursued Windows Phone and its partnership with Nokia, and continued investing in enterprise infrastructure. The company’s mobile-phone strategy ultimately failed to establish a durable position against Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android ecosystem. Cloud computing became the central strategic transition of the following decade. Microsoft announced its Azure platform in 2008 and gradually reorganized its business around cloud infrastructure, recurring subscriptions, enterprise security, collaboration, and data services. Satya Nadella became chief executive in 2014 and accelerated this transformation. Microsoft increasingly supported Linux and open-source development, expanded cross-platform access to its services, and emphasized Azure, Microsoft 365, Teams, Dynamics 365, GitHub, LinkedIn, and security products. The acquisitions of LinkedIn in 2016 and GitHub in 2018 strengthened its professional-networking, developer, and enterprise positions. Artificial intelligence became a major pillar of Microsoft’s strategy through its partnership with OpenAI, expanded cloud infrastructure, and the Copilot family of assistants. From 2023, Microsoft introduced Copilot experiences across Bing, Edge, Windows, Microsoft 365, GitHub, and business applications. The company has positioned Azure as a platform for training and deploying AI models while integrating generative AI into productivity and developer workflows. Gaming remains another major business. Xbox includes consoles, PC gaming, Game Pass subscriptions, cloud gaming, digital distribution, and first-party studios. Microsoft formed the Microsoft Gaming division in 2022 and completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard King in 2023 after extensive regulatory review. The transaction added franchises and studios associated with Activision, Blizzard…

History

Microsoft’s history follows the evolution of the computing industry from hobbyist microcomputers to networked personal computers, enterprise infrastructure, cloud platforms, and AI services. Gates and Allen founded the company in 1975 after creating a BASIC interpreter for the Altair 8800. Microsoft’s early business model combined software development with licensing and distribution partnerships rather than manufacturing its own computers. The IBM PC agreement of 1980 was the pivotal early turning point. Microsoft supplied an operating system marketed as MS-DOS and retained rights that enabled it to license the system to other PC manufacturers. This decision helped create a broad compatible-PC ecosystem. Windows, introduced in 1985, initially operated as a graphical layer over MS-DOS but became a full operating-system family. The 1986 public offering supplied capital and created substantial employee wealth, while the move to Redmond established the company’s long-term headquarters. In the 1990s, Windows and Office became foundational products in homes, schools, and workplaces. Windows 95 combined a new interface with broad hardware and software compatibility, while Office created a durable suite-based productivity standard. Microsoft simultaneously developed Windows NT, server software, developer tools, and Internet services. Its dominance brought antitrust investigations in the United States and Europe, especially over licensing practices, browser distribution, interoperability, and the relationship between Windows and adjacent products. The company entered gaming with Xbox in 2001 and expanded its enterprise portfolio through Windows Server, SQL Server, Visual Studio, and business applications. It launched Windows Vista and Windows 7, experimented with media players and mobile software, and pursued Windows Phone, but did not secure a leading smartphone ecosystem. Under Steve Ballmer, Microsoft also acquired Skype and began selling Surface devices. Azure, announced in 2008, marked the transition from packaged software toward cloud infrastructure and services. Satya Nadella’s appointment as CEO in 2014 accelerated this change. Microsoft emphasized Azure, Microsoft 365 subscriptions, Teams, Dynamics 365, security, GitHub, and LinkedIn, while becoming more receptive to Linux and cross-platform development. These changes broadened Microsoft from a PC software company into a diversified enterprise technology platform. The company’s recent direction has been shaped by AI investment and gaming consolidation. Its relationship with OpenAI supported the integration of generative AI into Azure and Microsoft products. Copilot became a common product identity for AI assistance in search, operating systems, productivity software, development tools, and business applications. Microsoft also created Microsoft Gaming and completed the Activision Blizzard King acquisition in 2023 following extended competition review. The company now operates across cloud computing, AI, productivity, security, developer services, gaming, professional networking, advertising, and devices, while facing continuing questions about competition, cybersecurity, privacy, AI safety, and responsible technology governance.

2023
Copilot expands across Microsoft products
[19]Copilot expands across Microsoft productsblogs.microsoft.com
Microsoft consolidates and extends generative-AI assistants under the Copilot brand.
2023
Activision Blizzard King acquisition closes
[20]Activision Blizzard King acquisition closesblogs.microsoft.com
Microsoft completes its acquisition of Activision Blizzard after regulatory proceedings and negotiated remedies.
2022
Microsoft Gaming division is formed
[3]Microsoft annual reportsmicrosoft.com
Microsoft organizes its gaming activities under the Microsoft Gaming structure.
2019
Microsoft and OpenAI begin expanded partnership
[18]Microsoft and OpenAI begin expanded partnershipblogs.microsoft.com
Microsoft invests in and partners with OpenAI around advanced AI development and Azure infrastructure.
2018
Microsoft acquires GitHub
[17]Microsoft acquires GitHubnews.microsoft.com
GitHub joins Microsoft, strengthening the company’s position in software development and open-source collaboration.
2018
GitHub acquisition completed
2016
Microsoft acquires LinkedIn
[16]Microsoft acquires LinkedInnews.microsoft.com
The acquisition adds a major professional network and business-data platform to Microsoft’s enterprise portfolio.
2016
LinkedIn acquisition completed
2014
Satya Nadella becomes CEO
[15]Satya Nadella becomes CEOblogs.microsoft.com
Nadella succeeds Ballmer and prioritizes cloud services, subscriptions, developer platforms, and cross-platform products.
2012
Surface is unveiled
[14]Surface is unveilednews.microsoft.com
Microsoft introduces its Surface family of first-party computers and tablets.
2011
Microsoft acquires Skype
[13]Microsoft acquires Skypenews.microsoft.com
Microsoft acquires Skype Technologies, expanding its communications and online-services portfolio.
2008
Azure is announced
[12]Azure is announcednews.microsoft.com
Microsoft announces its cloud-computing platform, later branded Microsoft Azure.
2001
Xbox launches
[11]Xbox launchesen.wikipedia.org
Microsoft enters the video-game console market with Xbox.
2001
Xbox launched
2000
Steve Ballmer becomes CEO
[2]Microsoft company history and factsnews.microsoft.com
Steve Ballmer succeeds Gates as chief executive as Microsoft expands into enterprise software, online services, and consumer technology.
1995
Windows 95 launches
[10]Windows 95 launchesnews.microsoft.com
Windows 95 introduces a redesigned interface and becomes one of Microsoft’s most significant consumer software releases.
1990
Microsoft Office is introduced
[9]Microsoft Office is introduceden.wikipedia.org
Microsoft begins selling Office for Windows, a bundled productivity suite that develops into the Office and Microsoft 365 franchises.
1986
Microsoft becomes publicly traded
[2]Microsoft company history and factsnews.microsoft.com
Microsoft completes its initial public offering on Nasdaq and moves its headquarters to Redmond, Washington.
1985
Windows 1.0 launches
[8]Windows 1.0 launchesen.wikipedia.org
Microsoft releases Windows as a graphical operating environment for MS-DOS.
1985
Windows introduced
1981
MS-DOS ships with the IBM PC
[1]Microsoften.wikipedia.org
The IBM PC launches with Microsoft-supplied operating-system software, helping establish MS-DOS across the compatible-PC market.
1980
Microsoft enters the operating-system business
[1]Microsoften.wikipedia.org
Microsoft agrees to provide operating-system software for IBM’s personal computer project and subsequently develops MS-DOS.
1975
Microsoft is founded
[2]Microsoft company history and factsnews.microsoft.com
Bill Gates and Paul Allen establish Microsoft to develop and market software, beginning with Altair BASIC.

Products and positioning

A broad technology platform provider for consumers, businesses, developers, schools, and governments, combining software ecosystems, cloud infrastructure, AI services, enterprise applications, gaming, and first-party hardware.

Operating systems · 1985
Windows
Microsoft’s operating-system family for personal computers, enterprise endpoints, servers, and related devices. Windows became the company’s foundational platform in the PC era and remains integrated with Microsoft’s productivity, security, developer, gaming, and AI services. Microsoft's family of desktop operating systems.
Productivity software and subscriptions · 2017
Microsoft 365
A subscription portfolio built around Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, with cloud storage, collaboration, administration, security, and increasingly integrated AI capabilities for individual and organizational users. Subscription-based productivity and collaboration applications and services.
Cloud computing · 2010
Azure
Microsoft announced the platform in 2008 and made it generally available in February 2010. Microsoft’s cloud platform provides computing, storage, databases, networking, analytics, developer tools, security, and artificial-intelligence infrastructure. Azure supports enterprise workloads and is the principal infrastructure layer for many Microsoft and partner AI services. Microsoft's cloud-computing and infrastructure-services platform.
Artificial intelligence · 2023
Microsoft Copilot
A family of generative-AI assistants embedded across Windows, Bing, Edge, Microsoft 365, GitHub, Dynamics, security products, and other services. Copilot is positioned as a natural-language interface for drafting, analysis, search, coding, productivity, and business workflows.
Gaming and entertainment · 2001
Xbox
Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem includes consoles, PC games, digital distribution, Game Pass subscriptions, cloud gaming, online services, and first-party studios. Its portfolio expanded materially through the Activision Blizzard King acquisition. Microsoft's gaming brand spanning consoles, games, and related services.
Hardware devices · 2012
Surface
A first-party hardware line covering laptops, tablets, detachable and convertible computers, accessories, and related Windows devices. Surface serves as both a commercial product family and a reference design for Microsoft’s hardware-and-software strategy. Microsoft-branded personal-computing devices and accessories.
Developer tools · 1997
Visual Studio
An integrated development environment and family of tools used to build applications for Windows, cloud, web, mobile, games, and enterprise systems. It is complemented by Visual Studio Code and Microsoft’s wider developer platform.
Developer collaboration · 2008
GitHub
A software-development collaboration platform used for source-code hosting, version control, issue tracking, automation, and open-source projects. Microsoft acquired GitHub in 2018 and has continued operating it as a distinct developer-focused service. A software-development platform and company owned by Microsoft.
LinkedIn
A professional networking platform owned by Microsoft.

Controversies

2026
Microsoft AI chief publicly criticises Anthropic's Claude training approach and warns of 'silicon species' risk
In September 2026, Microsoft AI chief Mustafa Suleyman publicly criticised rival Anthropic for training its AI model Claude with human-like qualities. Suleyman called the approach 'misguided'. He also warned that uncontrolled AI development could produce a 'silicon species' that competes with humans. The remarks concerned both a competitor's AI training method and broader risks from advanced AI. The event was reported as a public controversy involving Microsoft's AI leadership and Anthropic's Claude. It centred on Suleyman's criticism of Anthropic's approach and his warning about a possible 'silicon species'.
Source
2026
Microsoft expands 'biomimicry' program at data centers amid local pushback over pollution and noise
In September 2026, Microsoft announced it would expand its 'biomimicry' initiative from a project begun in the Netherlands in 2022 to more than 20 sites in the United States and Germany. The initiative seeks to blend data centers into the natural landscape through native planting, ecosystem restoration, and plant buffers to muffle noise. The announcement followed pushback from communities near Microsoft data centers over construction impacts, pollution, noise, tree loss, and water and electricity demand. Advocates described the nature-based projects as positive but insufficient given Microsoft's growing greenhouse gas emissions and resource footprint.
Source
2026
Sen. Warren and Senate Democrats send letters to Meta, Google, Amazon and Microsoft seeking information on AI tax subsidies
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., joined by Democratic Sens. Tina Smith and Jeff Merkley, sent letters Sunday night to the CEOs of Meta, Google, Amazon and Microsoft seeking information on tax deductions the companies claimed for AI and data center development under the 2025 'one big beautiful bill' act and on their lobbying efforts ahead of the bill's passage. The letters cite falling corporate tax payments even as revenues rise, and request answers by Oct. 12. Spokespeople for all four companies did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Source
2026
Vice President JD Vance accuses Microsoft of replacing laid-off workers with foreign hires
At the Oct. 8, 2026 press conference announcing the PERM suspensions, Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft of replacing the 6,000 workers it laid off in 2025 with people on H-1B work visas. The report notes the allegation is unproven: USCIS data shows two-thirds of Microsoft's more than 6,000 H-1B approvals last year went to people already working at the company.
Source
2026
Microsoft responds to controversy over Bing search promotion tool
Microsoft responded to controversy over its new Microsoft Recommended Search Settings app, which can change the default search engine and homepage across browsers to Bing. Microsoft said the tool is optional, is not distributed through Windows or Edge, and will not change any default settings without user consent.
Source
2026
Norway's Datatilsynet fines Microsoft-owned Xandr 92 million NOK over Grindr user data
Norway's data protection authority Datatilsynet fined Microsoft's advertising technology subsidiary Xandr 92 million Norwegian kroner for unlawfully processing personal information associated with Grindr users, conduct that took place between July 2018 and April 2020, before Microsoft acquired Xandr in 2022. The regulator found Xandr assumed Grindr had obtained the required consent but failed to verify it or establish a valid legal basis for its own processing. The fine, described as the largest ever issued by the authority, ends a case begun by a January 2020 complaint from privacy group Noyb; Xandr has three weeks to appeal.
Source
2026
Researcher discloses ShieldBreak PoC bypassing Microsoft Defender patch for CVE-2026-50656
A security researcher using the handle "Nightmare Eclipse" published a proof-of-concept exploit named ShieldBreak that reportedly bypasses Microsoft's patch for CVE-2026-50656, allowing an attacker with existing system access to gain admin/root privileges. Microsoft said it is investigating the validity and applicability of the claims. Independent confirmation of the PoC's effectiveness was reported by security consultant Steven Eric Fisher, and researcher Kevin Beaumont published Advanced Hunting detection rules for ShieldBreak.
Source
2026
Microsoft and Japan's National Police Agency take down YAM Store phishing network behind over a billion scam messages
Microsoft, working with Japan's National Police Agency and the health-sector cybersecurity non-profit Health-ISAC, reported that it helped dismantle a scam-message marketplace called YAM Store along with the phishing kits CoGUI and Iron Man. According to Microsoft, since January 2026 these platforms enabled more than one billion malicious messages targeting over 75,000 organizations worldwide in more than 150 countries, including more than 750 million messages geared toward Microsoft customers. Microsoft said it disabled over 20,000 accounts connected to YAM Store, blocked over 100,000 web domains used for impersonation and fraud, and with Health-ISAC seized and redirected web domains powering all three platforms.
Source
2026
eMudhra cryptographic flaw disclosed
A security researcher identified weaknesses in private keys associated with eight intermediate Certificate Authorities used by eMudhra's global TLS business. eMudhra acknowledged human errors in the key-generation process, while saying its infrastructure had not been compromised and no data was breached.
Source
2026
Senate report criticizes data-center operators’ grid-cost positions
A report by Democratic U.S. senators stated that companies accepted paying for infrastructure dedicated to their data-center sites but opposed requirements to cover the full cost of wider grid improvements tied to their facilities. The report criticized the data-center operators' positions on grid costs. The article does not specify which companies took each position.
Source

Marketing campaigns

2023Copilot brand integration
Global
Microsoft brought AI assistant experiences from Bing, Windows, Edge, Microsoft 365, GitHub, and business applications under the Copilot identity.
Outcome. Created a common commercial narrative for Microsoft’s consumer and enterprise AI products.
Source
1995Windows 95 global launch
Global
Microsoft used extensive media coverage, retail events, midnight sales, and music-driven promotion to present Windows 95 as a major consumer technology release.
Outcome. The launch generated exceptional public attention and rapid early adoption.
Source
1990Windows Computing Marketing Program
United States · Global
Microsoft conducted a large-scale campaign to promote Windows and its expanding software ecosystem during the company’s transition toward graphical PC computing.
Outcome. Helped strengthen Windows as a mainstream PC platform.
Source

Brand decisions

2024
Respond to European scrutiny of Teams bundlingOther
Background
European regulators questioned whether combining Teams with Microsoft 365 and Office 365 could limit competition in workplace collaboration software.
Action taken
Microsoft engaged with the European Commission and adjusted the commercial availability and packaging of Teams in relevant markets.
Aftermath
The proceedings reinforced regulatory attention on Microsoft’s bundling, distribution, and enterprise-SaaS practices; a final outcome is not established here.
Source
2023
Build a unified Microsoft Copilot experienceProduct launch
Background
Generative AI was rapidly entering search, office software, operating systems, coding tools, and enterprise applications.
Action taken
Microsoft unified multiple AI assistant experiences under Copilot and expanded them across consumer and business products.
Aftermath
Copilot became a principal route for commercializing and distributing Microsoft’s generative-AI capabilities.
Source
2023
Complete the Activision Blizzard King acquisitionM&A
Background
Microsoft sought to expand Xbox content, mobile reach, and cloud-gaming capabilities while regulators examined effects on console and cloud competition.
Action taken
Microsoft closed the acquisition and incorporated Activision, Blizzard, and King assets into its gaming organization, subject to regulatory commitments.
Aftermath
The transaction enlarged Microsoft’s games portfolio and strengthened its position across console, PC, mobile, and cloud gaming.
- Sony Interactive Entertainment — Sony raised competition concerns during regulatory proceedings, particularly regarding access to important game content and effects on console and cloud gaming.
- Nintendo — Microsoft made public cross-platform availability commitments for selected games during efforts to address competition concerns.
Source
2014
Accelerate the cloud-first and cross-platform transformationStrategy
Background
Microsoft needed to respond to mobile-platform competition, slower PC growth, and the shift from licensed software to online services.
Action taken
After Nadella became CEO, Microsoft prioritized Azure, subscriptions, developer services, enterprise applications, and access across competing platforms.
Aftermath
Cloud infrastructure, Microsoft 365, security, LinkedIn, GitHub, and AI became core parts of the company’s growth strategy.
Source
2008
Enter cloud computing with Windows AzureStrategy
Background
The growth of hosted software and cloud infrastructure challenged Microsoft’s traditional packaged-software model.
Action taken
Microsoft introduced Azure as a cloud platform offering computing, storage, development, and related services.
Aftermath
Azure became a central foundation of Microsoft’s enterprise, subscription, and AI businesses.
Source
Strategic emphasis on cloud and subscriptionsOther
Expansion into artificial intelligenceOther

Recent events

2026.11.04
Reported2026.11.04
Microsoft launches Xbox Series X-BITE sweepstakes[76]微软推出 Xbox Series X-BITE 抽奖活动economictimes.indiatimes.com
Microsoft launched a social-media sweepstakes for a custom Xbox Series X-BITE console and controller bundle. It is open to US residents aged 18 and older, with entry available through X, Instagram, and TikTok.
2026.11.03
Reported2026.11.03
Report highlights Microsoft hosting components of Al Munasseq in Ireland[50]Report highlights Microsoft hosting components of Al Munasseq in Irelandeuobserver.com
A report by consumer group Ekō found that Microsoft hosted key components of Al Munasseq in data centres in Ireland; the report said this effectively enabled what is feared to be mass surveillance.
2026.11.02
Reported2026.11.02
Microsoft, Caterpillar and Ballard team up to test hydrogen backup generators[77]Microsoft、Caterpillar与Ballard合作测试氢能备用发电机datacenterdynamics.com
Microsoft is teaming up with Caterpillar and Ballard Power Systems on a three-year project to test hydrogen fuel-cell backup generators at Microsoft’s data center in Quincy, Washington. Caterpillar is the prime contractor and Ballard will supply a 1.5 MW generator.
2026.11.01
Reported2026.11.01
Dayforce cites new and expanded partnerships with Microsoft and Anthropic’s Claude[78]Dayforce提及与Microsoft及Anthropic的Claude建立新合作及扩大合作itwire.com
Dayforce said its platform includes new and expanded partnerships with Microsoft and Anthropic’s Claude, connecting Dayforce actions and data with external AI assistants and business systems.
2026.10.30
Reported2026.10.30
Microsoft introduces an Intune policy for enterprise customers[79]微软推出面向企业客户的 Intune 策略finance.sina.com.cn
Microsoft introduced a new Intune policy for enterprise customers. When enabled, feedback submitted through Feedback Hub by users in an enterprise tenant remains private and is accessible only to Microsoft and users in the same tenant.
Unconfirmed
Microsoft blocks affected eMudhra CA keys[80]微软封锁受影响的 eMudhra CA 金钥ithome.com.tw
Microsoft blocked eight affected CA keys through the Windows Disallowed CTL and updated Edge and WebView2 CRLSet components to block TLS certificates issued by the affected CAs.
Unconfirmed
Reported2026.10.30
Microsoft reports lower cash generation[81]Microsoft报告现金生成减少cnbc.com
Microsoft reported that cash generation fell 27% to $18.63 billion for a second consecutive quarter.
2026.10.30
Reported2026.10.30
Google, Microsoft and OpenAI announce plans to support shared publisher opt-out signal[82]Google、Microsoft和OpenAI宣布计划支持共享出版商退出信号theverge.com
Google and Microsoft plan to support the shared publisher opt-out signal next year, while OpenAI says it will implement it in the coming months. The signal is intended to let publishers apply AI training preferences across multiple AI companies.
2026.10.29
Reported2026.10.29
UAE AI Office and Microsoft collaborate on UAE Vibe Codes[83]阿联酋人工智能办公室与微软合作推出 UAE Vibe Codeszawya.com
The UAE Artificial Intelligence Office collaborated with Microsoft on UAE Vibe Codes, an initiative launched as part of UAE Codes Day.
2026.10.29
Reported2026.10.29
Workhuman achieves Microsoft 365 Certification[84]Workhuman 获得 Microsoft 365 认证finanznachrichten.de
Workhuman announced that its Microsoft Teams and Outlook applications achieved Microsoft 365 Certification, following Microsoft's certification process.

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