Microsoft Timeline

Bill Gates and Paul Allen found Microsoft

Microsoft's first international office was founded in Japan

Microsoft signs a contract with IBM to develop an operating system for IBM's first personal computer.

Microsoft buys the rights for QDOS from Seattle Computer Products

Microsoft announces Multi-Tool Word, which later becomes Microsoft Word.

Microsoft releases Microsoft Excel, which would compete with, and later overtake, Lotus 1-2-3.

Microsoft launches the first version of its Windows operating system, Windows 1.0, which runs on top of MS-DOS and had a primitive GUI.

Microsoft moves its headquarters to a suburban campus in Redmond, Washington.

Apple sues Microsoft, contending that Microsoft's Windows 2.03 program violated Apple's copyrights on the Macintosh interface.

Microsoft launches Windows 3.0. It gives the user virtual memory, improved graphics, and the ability to multitask.

Microsoft releases Windows 95, which features a new interface with a novel start button.

Apple Inc announces that it will enter in a partnership with Microsoft. Microsoft releases Microsoft Office for Macintosh, ships Internet Explorer as the default browser for the Macintosh, and invests $150 million in Apple.

United States v. Microsoft Corp., an Antitrust trial, begins against Microsoft, with the US Department of Justice suing Microsoft for illegally thwarting competition in order to protect and extend its software (for reasons including bundling Internet Explorer with Microsoft Windows and requiring personal computer manufacturers to agree to adopt a uniform "boot-up" or "first screen" sequence specified by Microsoft).

Bill Gates hands over his CEO position to Steve Ballmer.

Microsoft releases Windows XP.

Microsoft launches the Xbox 360.

Bill Gates retires as chief software architect and devotes more of his time to philanthropy.

Microsoft launches Windows 7 to the general public.

Microsoft launches the Xbox One.

Microsoft releases Windows 10 - what it describes as its "last operating system" - and which acts as an "universal" application architecture across multiple Microsoft product families.