Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen to create technology that transforms how people work and live. It has grown to be the largest software company worldwide with offices in over 100 countries. Key events in Microsoft's history include the launch of Windows in 1983, going public in 1986, launching the Xbox in 2001 and Windows 11 in 2021. While Microsoft has strengths in cloud computing and the Windows OS, it also faces weaknesses such as cybersecurity vulnerabilities and threats around workforce diversity issues.