Microsoft was founded in 1975 by childhood friends Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
In 1980, the company launched Xenix, their operating system based off of Unix.
In 1984, Microsoft Windows launched.
In 1986, the company headquarters were moved to Redmond, Washington where they remain today. The company also went public this same year.
In 1990, Microsoft Office was launched.
In 2000, Bill Gates was replaced as CEO by Steve Ballmer.
In 2001, the Xbox and Windows XP are both unveiled.
In 2007, Windows Vista is launched.
In 2011, the company acquired Skype.
In 2012, the Microsoft Surface tablet is launched.
Today, Microsoft is a multinational software manufacturer. Microsoft Windows is the most used desktop operating system in the world. The company also produces other consumer electronics like the Xbox and Zune.
In November 2018, Microsoft became the world’s most valuable company, rising above Apple.
Microsoft confirmed suspicions in 2019 that Cortana and Skype recordings were not private.
In mid-August 2019, the company warned users to update their Windows 10 systems immediately to avoid a virus that spreads malware between computers without any user interaction.
