Microsoft, the multinational technology company that would revolutionize personal computing, is founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in Albuquerque, New Mexico on April 4, 1975. The company’s modest beginnings as a small software firm would set the stage for one of the most transformative journeys in the tech industry. What started as a shared passion between two childhood friends would become a global powerhouse, reshaping how people interact with computers and technology.
In the early 1970s, the concept of personal computing was still a distant dream. Computers were largely reserved for government agencies, research institutions, and large corporations. However, Gates and Allen saw potential in the burgeoning microcomputer market. Inspired by an article in Popular Electronics about the Altair 8800, the duo contacted Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS) with a bold offer: a version of the BASIC programming language tailored for the Altair. The pitch was successful, and soon after, Microsoft was born—initially spelled as “Micro-Soft.”
This early success laid the groundwork for a company that would not only survive the nascent days of the tech revolution but also shape its direction. Microsoft quickly gained traction, providing programming languages and tools that allowed developers to create software for a growing number of microcomputers.
While Microsoft had several notable software successes in its early years, the defining moment came in the 1980s with the development of the Windows operating system. Originally built as a graphical extension for MS-DOS, Windows made personal computers more accessible and user-friendly. When Windows 3.0 launched in 1990, it marked a turning point: personal computing was no longer just for hobbyists or professionals—it was for everyone.
By the mid-1990s, Windows 95 brought computing to the masses with an intuitive interface, plug-and-play hardware support, and internet capabilities. It was during this era that Microsoft solidified its dominance, with Windows becoming the standard OS for home and business computers around the globe. The company's aggressive growth and widespread software adoption helped it become the most valuable tech firm of its time.
The legacy of Microsoft’s founding can still be felt across virtually every aspect of modern life. The company’s contributions helped make computing mainstream, empowering individuals, businesses, and governments to harness digital tools for communication, productivity, and innovation. Today, Microsoft continues to be a major player in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, gaming, and enterprise software.
Beyond its technological contributions, Microsoft’s story has also influenced business culture and entrepreneurship. Bill Gates’ rise as a visionary leader and philanthropist has inspired generations of innovators, and the company’s long-standing commitment to research and development continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in tech.