Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975. Initially starting as a small software company in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Microsoft gained prominence with the development of the MS-DOS operating system, leading to its success in the personal computer market. Over the years, Microsoft expanded its product offerings, including the well-known Windows operating system and Office productivity suite. The company has played a significant role in shaping the technology landscape and continues to innovate with advancements in areas such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence.