Microsoft, founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, has grown from a small software startup into one of the most influential technology giants in history.
As the company reaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, it’s a good time to reflect on its journey, key milestones, and its impact on the industry.
The Early Days (1975–1989): The Rise of Personal Computing.
Microsoft’s story began with a vision to put a computer on every desk and in every home. Its first breakthrough came with MS-DOS (1981), which became the foundation of IBM PCs.
The launch of Windows 1.0 (1985) marked the beginning of a graphical user interface revolution, setting the stage for modern computing.
Key Milestones:
• 1975: Microsoft is founded.
• 1981: MS-DOS becomes the operating system for IBM PCs.
• 1985: Windows 1.0 is launched, introducing a GUI to PCs.
The 1990s: Dominance and Expansion
The 1990s saw Microsoft cement its place as a global leader. Windows 95 (1995) changed computing forever with its Start menu, taskbar, and plug-and-play features.
The Microsoft Office suite became the de facto productivity tool. By the late 1990s, Internet Explorer helped Microsoft dominate the early internet era.
Key Milestones:
• 1990: Microsoft Office is released.
• 1995: Windows 95 launches, selling millions of copies in weeks.
• 1998: Windows 98 and Internet Explorer 4.0 push Microsoft’s dominance.
The 2000s: Challenges and New Ventures
The early 2000s saw Microsoft face challenges, including antitrust lawsuits and the rise of Google and Apple.
However, it also launched key products like Windows XP (2001) and Xbox (2001), expanding into gaming. The release of Azure (2008) marked Microsoft’s entry into cloud computing, setting the stage for its future growth.
Key Milestones:
• 2001: Windows XP becomes one of the most popular OS versions ever.
• 2001: Xbox is launched, beginning Microsoft’s gaming journey.
• 2008: Microsoft Azure enters the cloud computing space.
The 2010s: Cloud and AI Transformation
With Satya Nadella taking over as CEO in 2014, Microsoft shifted focus to cloud computing, AI, and enterprise services.
Office 365 became a cloud-first platform, and Azure grew to rival AWS. Microsoft acquired LinkedIn (2016) and GitHub (2018), reinforcing its role in enterprise and developer ecosystems.
Key Milestones:
• 2010: Office 365 is introduced, transitioning Microsoft to SaaS.
• 2014: Satya Nadella becomes CEO, driving cloud-first strategy.
• 2016: Microsoft acquires LinkedIn.
• 2018: Microsoft acquires GitHub.
The 2020s: AI and a New Era
By the 2020s, Microsoft had become one of the world’s most valuable companies, driven by Azure, AI, and cloud services.
Investments in OpenAI positioned Microsoft at the forefront of generative AI, integrating AI across products like Copilot for Microsoft 365.
The company also expanded its gaming empire with the acquisition of Activision Blizzard (2023).
Key Milestones:
• 2021: Microsoft Teams becomes a dominant remote work tool.
• 2023: Microsoft acquires Activision Blizzard for $69 billion.
• 2024: AI integration across Windows, Office, and Azure accelerates.
Microsoft at 50: What’s Next?
As Microsoft turns 50 in 2025, its future lies in AI, quantum computing, and further cloud innovation.
With strong market leadership and a continuous focus on innovation, Microsoft remains a key player shaping the future of technology.