- Brand origin
- United States
- Main production
- Several countries, incl. China
Microsoft is a United States technology brand that develops software, cloud services, devices, gaming products, and business solutions. Microsoft is ultimately owned by Microsoft Corporation, a publicly listed company headquartered in Redmond, Washington.
microsoft.comPolitical donations in the US
Microsoft gave US$750,000 to Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2025.
The company's political action committee gave 27% to Republican and 29% to Democratic candidates in the 2025 to 2026 election cycle.
Information from the US Federal Election Commission (FEC). Made O'Meter takes no side. Source: FEC Β· the PAC
See the full list in the MagazineAbout Microsoft
What is Microsoft?
Microsoft is a technology brand operated by Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft provides software, cloud services, devices, online services, and gaming products for individuals and businesses. Microsoft Corporation reports its business through Productivity and Business Processes, Intelligent Cloud, and More Personal Computing segments. Microsoft Corporation generated $281.7 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2025 and employed approximately 228,000 people as of June 30, 2025.
Who owns Microsoft?
Microsoft is ultimately owned by Microsoft Corporation, according to Made O'Meter's ownership data verified on 13 September 2026. Microsoft Corporation is headquartered in Redmond, Washington, United States. Microsoft Corporation is a publicly listed company whose common stock trades on Nasdaq under the symbol MSFT. Microsoft Corporation's brand assets, including Microsoft names, logos, products, and services, are proprietary assets owned exclusively by Microsoft and its group of companies.
Where does Microsoft come from?
Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Microsoft was founded in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States, and moved its operations to Bellevue, Washington, in 1979. Microsoft incorporated in 1981 and moved to its corporate campus in Redmond, Washington, in 1986. Microsoft stock became publicly traded in 1986. Microsoft developed early software for personal computers, including the MS-DOS operating system, before expanding into Windows, cloud computing, business software, devices, and gaming.
What products does Microsoft make?
Microsoft makes Windows operating systems, Microsoft 365 productivity software, Teams collaboration software, Azure cloud services, Dynamics business applications, Power Platform tools, Visual Studio developer tools, and Microsoft security products. Microsoft also operates LinkedIn, GitHub, Bing, and Xbox. Microsoft sells Surface devices and provides gaming content and services through Xbox.
Frequently asked questions about Microsoft
Is Microsoft an American brand?
- Yes. Microsoft originated in the United States and is headquartered in Redmond, Washington. Microsoft Corporation is the ultimate owner.
Is Microsoft publicly owned?
- Yes. Microsoft Corporation is publicly listed, and its common stock trades on Nasdaq under the symbol MSFT. Microsoft Corporation is not privately owned by Microsoft founders.
Who founded Microsoft?
- Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft in 1975. Microsoft was initially founded in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Does Microsoft own Xbox?
- Yes. Xbox is a Microsoft gaming business and includes gaming consoles, content, services, and related products.
What does Microsoft sell besides Windows?
- Microsoft sells Microsoft 365, Azure cloud services, Teams, Dynamics, Surface devices, Xbox products, and developer and security tools. Microsoft also operates services and platforms including LinkedIn, GitHub, Bing, and OneDrive.
Sources: microsoft.com: index.html, news.microsoft.com, cdn-dynmedia-1.microsoft.com, fintel.io, microsoft.com: annual reports, stocktitan.net, umbrex.com, finance.yahoo.com
Microsoft in the Magazine
Sources: microsoft.com
Ownership data is compiled from public sources and verified where possible. Spotted an error? Suggest a correction below.
Products from Microsoft
27- Microsoft MouseComputer hardware β Peripheral (Mouse)
- Microsoft Surface BookElectronics β Laptop/2-in-1 Tablet
- Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500Computer Peripheral β Wireless Mouse
- Microsoft Software and ServicesOther β Software, Cloud Services, and Computing Hardware
- Microsoft Windows Edge BrowserOther β Software Application
- Microsoft Software and Hardware ServicesTechnology β Software, Hardware, and Cloud Services
- Microsoft Surface LaptopOther β Electronics (Laptop Computer)
- Microsoft Trackball Optical mouseOther β Computer peripheral/input device
- Microsoft Modern Mobile MouseElectronic - Computer Peripheral (Mouse)
- Windows 11 Operating SystemOther β Software Operating System
- Microsoft Modern USB-C SpeakerOther β Computer Peripheral / Meeting Speakerphone
- Microsoft Windows (on Laptop)Other β Computer Operating System
- Microsoft CorporationSoftware and Technology β Operating Systems, Software, and Cloud Services
- Microsoft Number PadComputer Peripheral β Wireless Numeric Keypad
- Microsoft 365 (formerly Office)Software β Productivity Suite
- Microsoft LifeCam HD-5000Other β Webcam/Computer hardware
- Microsoft Software and Cloud ServicesOther β Software and Technology Services
- Microsoft MORA Video Generation FrameworkOther β AI Multi-Agent Video Generation Software
- Microsoft Surface Arc MouseComputer hardware β Wireless Mouse
- Microsoft Wireless MouseElectronics - Computer Hardware
- Microsoft Xbox controllerElectronics β Gaming peripheral
- Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic DesktopElectronics β Computer Peripherals (Keyboard and Mouse)
- Microsoft WordOther β Productivity Software
- Microsoft Software and Hardware ProductsInformation Technology β Software, Electronics, and Cloud Services
and 3 more products
Alternatives to Microsoft
Brands in the same category that are not American-owned:
- See all products from LibreOffice
LibreOffice
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Fondation Proton Β· Switzerland
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Bitdefender
Bitdefender Holding B.V. Β· Netherlands
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Obsidian
Dynalist Inc. Β· Canada
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OsmAnd
OsmAnd B.V. Β· Netherlands