Editing Microsoft (section)

==History==
{{Main|History of Microsoft}}

{{For timeline}}

===1972–1985: Founding===
[[File:Altair 8800 and Model 33 ASR Teletype.jpg|left|thumb|256x256px|An Altair 8800 computer (left) with the popular Model 33 ASR Teletype as terminal, paper tape reader, and paper tape punch]]
[[File:1981BillPaul.jpg|thumb|left|[[Paul Allen]] and [[Bill Gates]] on October 19, 1981, after signing a pivotal contract with [[IBM]]<ref name="Allan 2001">{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/A_History_of_the_Personal_Computer |title=A History of the Personal Computer |last=Allan |first=Roy A. |publisher=Allan Publishing |isbn=978-0-9689108-0-1 |year=2001 |access-date=July 17, 2010}}</ref>{{Rp|228|date=November 2012}}]]
[[File:Bill_Gates_and_Paul_Allen_Business_Cards.jpg|thumb|Bill Gates and Paul Allen's Original Business Cards located in the Microsoft Visitor Center]]
Childhood friends [[Bill Gates]] and [[Paul Allen]] sought to make a business using their skills in [[computer programming]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.biography.com/people/bill-gates-9307520#early-life |title=Bill Gates |publisher=Biography.com |access-date=November 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106203412/http://www.biography.com/people/bill-gates-9307520#early-life |archive-date=November 6, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1972, they founded [[Traf-O-Data]], which sold a rudimentary computer to track and analyze automobile traffic data. Gates enrolled at [[Harvard University]] while Allen pursued a degree in computer science at [[Washington State University]], though he later dropped out to work at [[Honeywell]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft Company History |url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/microsoft-corporation-history/ |access-date=March 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806021000/http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/microsoft-corporation-history/ |archive-date=August 6, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The January 1975 issue of ''[[Popular Electronics]]'' featured [[Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems]]'s (MITS) [[Altair 8800]] microcomputer,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/12/by_martin_finuc_2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090101055041/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/12/by_martin_finuc_2.html |archive-date=January 1, 2009 |title=Harvard Square newsstand sold the magazine that started a revolution |work=Boston.com |publisher=The New York Times Company |date=December 30, 2008 |last=Finucane |first=Martin}}</ref> which inspired Allen to suggest that they could program a [[BASIC]] interpreter for the device. Gates called MITS and claimed that he had a working interpreter, and MITS requested a demonstration. Allen worked on a simulator for the Altair while Gates developed the interpreter, and it worked flawlessly when they demonstrated it to MITS in March 1975 in [[Albuquerque, New Mexico]]. MITS agreed to distribute it, marketing it as [[Altair BASIC]].<ref name="Allan 2001" />{{Rp|108, 112–114|date=November 2012}} Gates and Allen established Microsoft on April 4, 1975, with Gates as CEO,<ref name="BBCTL">{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5085630.stm |title=Bill Gates: A Timeline |work=BBC News Online |publisher=BBC |date=July 15, 2006 |access-date=July 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060622201711/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5085630.stm |archive-date=June 22, 2006 |url-status=live}}</ref> and Allen suggested the name "Micro-Soft", short for micro-computer software.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1995/10/02/206528/index.htm |date=October 2, 1995 |title=Bill Gates & Paul Allen Talk Check Out The Ultimate Buddy Act in Business History |work=Fortune |publisher=Time Inc. |last=Schlender |first=Brent |access-date=April 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110503155554/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1995/10/02/206528/index.htm |archive-date=May 3, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Allen |first=Paul |date=2011 |title=Paul Allen: Idea Man |publisher=Penguin Group |page=91 |url=https://books.google.com/books?isbn=0141969385 |isbn=978-0-14-196938-1}}</ref> In August 1977, the company formed an agreement with ASCII Magazine in Japan, resulting in its first international office of [[ASCII Corporation|ASCII Microsoft]].<ref>{{Cite journal |url=http://www.atarimagazines.com/creative/v10n8/192_Kay_Nishi_bridges_the_cul.php |title=Kay Nishi bridges the cultural gap |last=Staples |first=Betsy |journal=Creative Computing |volume=10 |issue=8 |page=192 |date=August 1984 |access-date=July 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511110050/http://www.atarimagazines.com/creative/v10n8/192_Kay_Nishi_bridges_the_cul.php |archive-date=May 11, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> Microsoft moved its headquarters to [[Bellevue, Washington]], in January 1979.<ref name="BBCTL" />

Microsoft entered the [[operating system]] (OS) business in 1980 with its own version of [[Unix]] called [[Xenix]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.computersourcemag.com/articles/viewer.asp?a=695 |title=Under The Hood: Part 8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901182630/http://www.computersourcemag.com/articles/viewer.asp?a=695 |archive-date=September 1, 2006 |work=Computer Source |last=Dyar |first=Dafydd Neal |date=November 4, 2002 |access-date=July 14, 2010}}</ref> but it was [[MS-DOS]] that solidified the company's dominance. [[IBM]] awarded a contract to Microsoft in November 1980 to provide a version of the [[CP/M]] OS to be used in the [[IBM Personal Computer]] (IBM PC).<ref>{{Cite book |title=Engines That Move Markets: Technology Investing from Railroads to the Internet and Beyond |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k9xS6t4ibxoC |year=2002 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-0-471-20595-1 |access-date=February 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323120013/https://books.google.com/books?id=k9xS6t4ibxoC |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> For this deal, Microsoft purchased a CP/M clone called [[86-DOS]] from [[Seattle Computer Products]] which it branded as MS-DOS, although IBM rebranded it to [[IBM PC DOS]]. Microsoft retained ownership of MS-DOS following the release of the IBM PC in August 1981. IBM had copyrighted the IBM PC [[BIOS]], so other companies had to reverse engineer it for non-IBM hardware to run as [[IBM PC compatible]]s, but no such restriction applied to the operating systems. Microsoft eventually became the leading PC operating systems vendor.<ref>{{Cite magazine |magazine =Smart Computing  |volume=6 |issue=3 |url=http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles/archive/r0603/09r03/09r03.asp&guid= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040405051349/http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles%2Farchive%2Fr0603%2F09r03%2F09r03.asp&guid= |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 5, 2004 |title=Microsoft to Microsoft disk operating system (MS-DOS) |date=March 2002 |access-date=August 18, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Blaxill |first1=Mark |last2=Eckardt |first2=Ralph |title=The Invisible Edge: Taking Your Strategy to the Next Level Using Intellectual Property |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JO6kA0hebJIC&pg=PA210 |year=2009 |publisher=Portfolio |isbn=978-1-59184-237-8 |page=210 |access-date=February 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323120014/https://books.google.com/books?id=JO6kA0hebJIC&pg=PA210 |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Rp|210|date=November 2012}} The company expanded into new markets with the release of the [[Microsoft Mouse]] in 1983, as well as with a publishing division named [[Microsoft Press]].<ref name="Allan 2001" />{{Rp|232|date=November 2012}}
Paul Allen resigned from Microsoft in 1983 after developing [[Hodgkin's lymphoma]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2014643290_paulallen31.html |title=Paul Allen goes public with hard feelings toward Gates |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=January 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104003653/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2014643290_paulallen31.html |archive-date=November 4, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Allen claimed in ''Idea Man: A Memoir by the co-founder of Microsoft'' that Gates wanted to dilute his share in the company when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease because he did not think that he was working hard enough.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703806304576232051635476200 |title=Microsoft Co-Founder Hits Out at Gates |last1=Wingfield |first1=Nick |last2=Guth |first2=Robert A. |date=March 30, 2011 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]}}</ref> Allen later invested in [[Low technology|low-tech]] sectors, sports teams, commercial real estate, neuroscience, private space flight, and more.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2014/01/31/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-microsoft-billionaire-paul-allen-seattle-seahawks-owner/#48d64a5f6db1 |title=10 Things You Didn't Know About Microsoft Billionaire Paul Allen, Seattle Seahawks Owner |last=O'Connor |first=Clare |work=Forbes |access-date=February 1, 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202013548/https://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2014/01/31/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-microsoft-billionaire-paul-allen-seattle-seahawks-owner/#48d64a5f6db1 |archive-date=February 2, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===1985–1994: Windows and Office===
[[File:Microsoft Windows 1.0 pages2 3.jpg|thumb|[[Windows 1.0]] was released on November 20, 1985, as the first version of the Windows line.]]
Microsoft released [[Windows 1.0]] on November 20, 1985, as a graphical extension for [[MS-DOS]],<ref name="Allan 2001" />{{Rp|242–243, 246|date=November 2012}} despite having begun jointly developing [[OS/2]] with IBM that August.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://pages.prodigy.net/michaln/history/pr/87apr_m3592.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410013835/http://pages.prodigy.net/michaln/history/pr/87apr_m3592.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 10, 2010 |title=Microsoft OS/2 Announcement |date=April 10, 2010 |access-date=August 9, 2017}}</ref> Microsoft moved its headquarters from Bellevue to [[Redmond, Washington]], on February 26, 1986, and went public with an [[initial public offering]] (IPO) at the NASDAQ exchange on March 13,<ref name="CBSCHRON">{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/elements/2006/06/16/in_depth_business/timeline1720211.shtml |title=Microsoft Chronology |work=CBS News |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=August 5, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081105185844/http://www.cbsnews.com/elements/2006/06/16/in_depth_business/timeline1720211.shtml |archive-date=November 5, 2008}}</ref> with the resulting rise in stock making an estimated four billionaires and 12,000&nbsp;millionaires from Microsoft employees.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/29/business/yourmoney/29millionaire.html?ex=1275019200&en=de3d71cbbb7e06f8&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss |title=The Microsoft Millionaires Come of Age |last=Bick |first=Julie |date=May 29, 2005 |work=The New York Times |access-date=July 3, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060412145540/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/29/business/yourmoney/29millionaire.html?ex=1275019200&en=de3d71cbbb7e06f8&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss |archive-date=April 12, 2006 |url-status=live}}</ref> Microsoft released its version of OS/2 to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on April 2, 1987.<ref name="Allan 2001" /> In 1990, the Federal Trade Commission examined Microsoft for possible collusion due to the partnership with IBM, marking the beginning of more than a decade of legal clashes with the government.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2002/11/u-s-v-microsoft-timeline/ |title=U.S. v. Microsoft: Timeline |date=November 4, 2002 |magazine=Wired  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100419063415/http://www.wired.com/techbiz/it/news/2002/11/35212 |archive-date=April 19, 2010 |url-status=live |access-date=July 17, 2010}}</ref> {{Rp|243–244|date=November 2012}} Meanwhile, the company was at work on Microsoft [[Windows NT]], which was heavily based on their copy of the OS/2 code. It shipped on July 21, 1993, with a new modular [[Kernel (operating system)|kernel]] and the [[32-bit computing|32-bit]] [[Windows API#Major versions|Win32 application programming interface]] (API), making it easier to port from [[16-bit computing|16-bit]] (MS-DOS-based) Windows. Microsoft informed IBM of Windows NT, and the OS/2 partnership deteriorated.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/winserver2k3_gold1.asp |title=Windows Server 2003: The Road To Gold |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |work=winsupersite.com |publisher=Penton Media |date=January 24, 2003 |access-date=July 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604082534/http://www.winsupersite.com/reviews/winserver2k3_gold1.asp |archive-date=June 4, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1990, Microsoft introduced the [[Microsoft Office]] suite which bundled separate applications such as [[Microsoft Word]] and [[Microsoft Excel]].<ref name="Allan 2001" />{{Rp|301|date=November 2012}} On May 22, Microsoft launched [[Windows 3.0]], featuring streamlined user interface graphics and improved protected mode capability for the [[i386|Intel 386]] processor,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.itproportal.com/2010/05/22/microsoft-windows-30-20-years-today/ |title=Microsoft Windows 3.0 Is 20 Years Old Today!!! |work=ITProPortal |last=Athow |first=Desire |date=May 22, 2010 |access-date=April 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325093045/http://www.itproportal.com/2010/05/22/microsoft-windows-30-20-years-today/ |archive-date=March 25, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> and both Office and Windows became dominant in their respective areas.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1159610,00.asp |title=OS Market Share 1993–2001 – Windows 98 Put to the Test |magazine=[[PC Magazine]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=August 1, 1998 |access-date=July 3, 2010 |first=Michael |last=Miller |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511141923/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1159610,00.asp |archive-date=May 11, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/18462/a_peek_at_office_upgrade.html |title=A Peek at Office Upgrade |magazine=[[PC World]] |publisher=[[IDG]] |date=September 13, 2000 |last=McCracken |first=Harry |access-date=July 4, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506065942/http://www.pcworld.com/article/18462/a_peek_at_office_upgrade.html |archive-date=May 6, 2009 }}</ref>

On July 27, 1994, the [[United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division|Department of Justice's Antitrust Division]] filed a competitive impact statement that said: "Beginning in 1988 and continuing until July 15, 1994, Microsoft induced many [[Original equipment manufacturer|OEMs]] to execute anti-competitive 'per processor licenses. Under a per-processor license, an OEM pays Microsoft a royalty for each computer it sells containing a particular microprocessor, whether the OEM sells the computer with a Microsoft operating system or a non-Microsoft operating system. In effect, the royalty payment to Microsoft when no Microsoft product is being used acts as a penalty, or tax, on the OEM's use of a competing PC operating system. Since 1988, Microsoft's use of per processor licenses has increased."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.justice.gov/atr/cases/f0000/0045.htm |title=Competitive Impact Statement : U.S. v. Microsoft Corporation |publisher=Justice.gov |access-date=May 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510012902/http://www.justice.gov/atr/cases/f0000/0045.htm |archive-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===1995–2007: Foray into the Web, Windows 95, Windows XP, and Xbox===
[[File:300lx.jpg|thumb|left|In 1996, Microsoft released [[Windows Embedded Compact#History|Windows CE]], a version of the operating system meant for personal digital assistants and other tiny computers, shown here on the [[HP 300LX]].]]
Following Bill Gates's internal "Internet Tidal Wave memo" on May 26, 1995, Microsoft began to redefine its offerings and expand its product line into [[computer network]]ing and the [[World Wide Web]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/2009-1032-995681.html |title=Victor: Software empire pays high price |last=Borland |first=John |date=April 15, 2003 |work=[[CNET]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116150815/http://news.cnet.com/2009-1032-995681.html |archive-date=November 16, 2011 |access-date=July 16, 2010}}</ref> With a few exceptions of new companies, like [[Netscape]], Microsoft was the only major and established company that acted fast enough to be a part of the World Wide Web practically from the start. Other companies like [[Borland]], [[WordPerfect]], [[Novell]], [[IBM]] and [[Lotus Software|Lotus]], being much slower to adapt to the new situation, would give Microsoft market dominance.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qiDsEgYKXRAC&q=Bill+Gates+1994+Internet+blow+over+Netscape+Borland+WordPerfect+Novell+IBM+Lotus&pg=PA11 |title=Network Security Foundations: Technology Fundamentals for IT Success |access-date=March 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323120021/https://books.google.no/books?id=qiDsEgYKXRAC&pg=PA11&dq=Bill+Gates+1994+Internet+blow+over+Netscape+Borland+WordPerfect+Novell+IBM+Lotus&hl=no&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjliaaH-IbhAhVHw4sKHRIlCnkQ6AEIKTAA#v=onepage&q=Bill%20Gates%201994%20Internet%20blow%20over%20Netscape%20Borland%20WordPerfect%20Novell%20IBM%20Lotus&f=false |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |url-status=live |isbn=9780782151367 |last1=Strebe |first1=Matthew |date=February 20, 2006|publisher=John Wiley & Sons }}</ref>

The company released [[Windows 95]] on August 24, 1995, featuring [[Preemption (computing)#PREEMPTIVE|pre-emptive multitasking]], a completely new user interface with a novel [[Start menu|start button]], and 32-bit compatibility; similar to NT, it provided the Win32 API.<ref>{{Cite journal |journal=Smart Computing |publisher=Sandhills Publishing Company |volume=4 |issue=3 |url=http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles/archive/95win/95win02/95win02.asp&guid= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040706233547/http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles%2Farchive%2F95win%2F95win02%2F95win02.asp&guid= |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 6, 2004 |title=New And Improved |last=Cope |first=Jim |date=March 1996 |access-date=July 16, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/windows95systemp00matt |title=Windows 95 Programming Secrets |last=Pietrek |first=Matt |author-link=Matt Pietrek |publisher=IDG |isbn=978-1-56884-318-6 |date=March 1996 |access-date=July 17, 2010 |url-access=registration}}</ref>{{Rp|20|date=November 2012}} Windows 95 came bundled with the [[Online service provider|online service]] [[MSN]], which was at first intended to be a competitor to the Internet,{{Dubious|date=May 2019|reason="The Internet" is a huge network of cables, microwave links and switching equipment, and even Microsoft at the time didn't have the financial means to replicate it, nor would there have been any business reason to do so.}} and (for OEMs) [[Internet Explorer]], a [[Web browser]]. Internet Explorer was not bundled with the retail Windows 95 boxes, because the boxes were printed before the team finished the Web browser, and instead were included in the Windows 95 Plus! pack.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-live/msn-inside-story |title=MSN: The Inside Story |work=Supersite for Windows |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |publisher=[[Penton (company)|Penton Media]] |date=May 19, 2005 |access-date=July 17, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523202530/http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/msn_inside_01.asp |archive-date=May 23, 2010}}</ref> Backed by a high-profile marketing campaign<ref>Edwards, Benj (August 24, 2020).[https://www.howtogeek.com/685668/windows-95-turns-25-heres-how-it-transformed-pcs/ "Windows 95 Turns 25: When Windows Went Mainstream."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105020917/https://www.howtogeek.com/685668/windows-95-turns-25-heres-how-it-transformed-pcs/|date=January 5, 2021}} ''How To Geek''. Retrieved November 29, 2020.</ref> and what ''[[The New York Times]]'' called "the splashiest, most frenzied, most expensive introduction of a computer product in the industry's history,"<ref>Chew, Jonathan (August 24, 2015). [https://fortune.com/2015/08/24/20-years-microsoft-windows-95/ "Microsoft Launched This Product 20 Years Ago and Changed the World"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021131927/https://fortune.com/2015/08/24/20-years-microsoft-windows-95/ |date=October 21, 2020 }} ''[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]''. Retrieved November 29, 2020.</ref> Windows 95 quickly became a success.<ref>Wild, Chris (August 24, 2015).[https://mashable.com/2015/08/24/windows-95-launch/?europe=true "Aug. 24, 1995: Launching Windows 95."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127173449/https://mashable.com/2015/08/24/windows-95-launch/?europe=true |date=November 27, 2020 }} ''[[Mashable]]''. Retrieved November 29, 2020.</ref> Branching out into new markets in 1996, Microsoft and [[General Electric]]'s [[NBC]] unit created a new [[24/7 service|24/7]] cable news channel, [[MSNBC]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/1996/07/15_mpp.html |title=Marketplace: News Archives |work=Marketplace |publisher=American Public Media |date=July 15, 1996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040823174040/http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/1996/07/15_mpp.html |archive-date=August 23, 2004}}</ref> Microsoft created [[Windows Embedded Compact#Versions|Windows CE 1.0]], a new OS designed for devices with low memory and other constraints, such as [[personal digital assistant]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hpcfactor.com/support/windowsce/ |last=Tilly |first=Chris |title=The History of Microsoft Windows CE |work=HPC:Factor |access-date=August 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921144050/http://www.hpcfactor.com/support/windowsce/ |archive-date=September 21, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 1997, the Justice Department filed a motion in the Federal [[United States district court|District Court]], stating that Microsoft violated an agreement signed in 1994 and asked the court to stop the bundling of [[Internet Explorer]] with Windows.<ref name="Allan 2001" />{{Rp|323–324|date=November 2012}}
[[File:Microsoft IntelliMouse 2001.jpg|thumb|200x200px|While primarily focused on software, Microsoft also produced a number of successful PC accessories, such as the [[IntelliMouse]] computer mice shown here]]
[[File:Xbox-console.jpg|thumb|Microsoft released the first installment in the [[Xbox]] series of consoles in 2001. The [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], graphically powerful compared to its rivals, featured a standard PC's 733&nbsp;MHz Intel Pentium III processor.]]
On January 13, 2000, Bill Gates handed over the CEO position to [[Steve Ballmer]], an old college friend of Gates and employee of the company since 1980, while creating a new position for himself as Chief [[Software architect|Software Architect]].<ref name="Allan 2001" />{{Rp|111, 228|date=November 2012}}<ref name="BBCTL" /> Various companies including Microsoft formed the [[Trusted Computing Group|Trusted Computing Platform Alliance]] in October 1999 to (among other things) increase security and protect [[intellectual property]] through identifying changes in hardware and software. Critics decried the alliance as a way to enforce indiscriminate restrictions over how consumers use software, and over how computers behave, and as a form of [[digital rights management]]: for example, the scenario where a computer is not only secured for its owner but also secured against its owner as well.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/20/technology/20CODE.html?pagewanted=1 |title=Fears of Misuse of Encryption System Are Voiced |work=[[The New York Times]] |last=Markoff |first=John |date=June 20, 2002 |access-date=July 7, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511201709/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/20/technology/20CODE.html?pagewanted=1 |archive-date=May 11, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~fms27/papers/2003-stajano-shifting.pdf |last=Stajano |first=Frank |chapter=Security for Whom? The Shifting Security Assumptions of Pervasive Computing |title=Software Security — Theories and Systems |series=Lecture Notes in Computer Science  |volume=2609 |pages=16–27 |publisher=Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg |year=2003 |access-date=July 6, 2010 |doi=10.1007/3-540-36532-X_2 |isbn=978-3-540-00708-1 |citeseerx=10.1.1.127.7219 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128164236/http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~fms27/papers/2003-stajano-shifting.pdf |archive-date=January 28, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> On April 3, 2000, a judgment was handed down in the case of ''[[United States v. Microsoft Corp.]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=United States v. Microsoft |url=https://www.justice.gov/atr/cases/ms_index.htm |publisher=U.S. Department of Justice |access-date=August 5, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050804043753/http://www.justice.gov/atr/cases/ms_index.htm |archive-date=August 4, 2005 |url-status=live}}</ref> calling the company an "abusive monopoly."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Thomas Penfield |url=https://www.justice.gov/atr/cases/f3800/msjudgex.htm |title=U.S. vs. Microsoft findings of fact |publisher=U.S. Department of Justice |date=November 5, 1999 |access-date=August 18, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815034900/http://www.justice.gov/atr/cases/f3800/msjudgex.htm |archive-date=August 15, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> Microsoft later settled with the U.S. Department of Justice in 2004.<ref name="CBSCHRON" />

On October 25, 2001, Microsoft released [[Windows XP]], unifying the mainstream and NT lines of OS under the NT codebase.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.windowsitpro.com/article/windows-xp2/wininfo-short-takes-windows-xp-launch-special-edition.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120526200156/http://www.windowsitpro.com/article/windows-xp2/wininfo-short-takes-windows-xp-launch-special-edition.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 26, 2012 |title=WinInfo Short Takes: Windows XP Launch Special Edition |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |work=Windows IT Pro |publisher=Penton Media |date=October 26, 2001 |access-date=July 16, 2010}}</ref> The company released the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] later that year, entering the [[video game console]] market dominated by [[Sony]] and [[Nintendo]].<ref>{{Cite press release |date=February 7, 2002 |title=NPD Reports Annual 2001 U.S. Interactive Entertainment Sales Shatter Industry Record |url=http://www.npd.com/dynamic/releases/press_020207.htm |location=[[Port Washington, New York]] |publisher=[[The NPD Group]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040814133238/http://www.npd.com/dynamic/releases/press_020207.htm |archive-date=August 14, 2004 |access-date=January 28, 2015}}</ref> In March 2004 the [[European Union]] brought [[Microsoft Corp. v. Commission|antitrust legal action against the company]], citing it abused its dominance with the Windows OS, resulting in a judgment of €497&nbsp;million ($613&nbsp;million) and requiring Microsoft to produce new versions of Windows XP without [[Windows Media Player]]: Windows XP Home Edition N and Windows XP Professional N.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/BUSINESS/03/24/microsoft.eu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060413082435/http://www.cnn.com/2004/BUSINESS/03/24/microsoft.eu |archive-date=April 13, 2006 |title=Microsoft hit by record EU fine |work=CNN |date=March 25, 2004 |access-date=August 14, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Commission Decision of 24.03.2004 relating to a proceeding under Article 82 of the EC Treaty (Case COMP/C-3/37.792 Microsoft) |publisher=Commission of the European Communities |url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:62004A0201:EN:NOT |date=April 21, 2004 |access-date=August 5, 2005 |format=PDF |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011131514/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:62004A0201:EN:NOT |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2005, the company's second video game console, the [[Xbox 360]], was released. There were two versions, a basic version for $299.99 and a deluxe version for $399.99.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://money.cnn.com/2005/08/17/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm |title=Microsoft sets price for Xbox 360—Aug. 17, 2005 |last=Morris |first=Game Over is a weekly column by Chris |website=money.cnn.com |access-date=January 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425204850/http://money.cnn.com/2005/08/17/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm |archive-date=April 25, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Increasingly present in the hardware business following Xbox, Microsoft 2006 released the [[Zune]] series of digital media players, a successor of its previous software platform [[Portable Media Center]]. These expanded on previous hardware commitments from Microsoft following its original [[Microsoft Mouse]] in 1983; as of 2007 the company sold the best-selling wired keyboard ([[Microsoft ergonomic keyboards|Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000]]), mouse ([[IntelliMouse]]), and desktop webcam ([[LifeCam]]) in the United States. That year the company also launched the Surface "digital table", later renamed [[Microsoft PixelSense|PixelSense]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.microsoft.com/2007/08/22/a-microsoft-milestone-hardware-celebrates-25-years-of-proven-success/|title=A Microsoft Milestone: Hardware Celebrates 25 Years of Proven Success|date=August 22, 2007|website=Stories}}</ref>

===2007–2011: Microsoft Azure, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Microsoft Stores===
[[File:Steve Ballmer - MIX 2008.jpg|thumb|left|CEO [[Steve Ballmer]] at the [[MIX (Microsoft)|MIX]] event in 2008. In an interview about his management style in 2005, he mentioned that his first priority was to get the people he delegates to in order. Ballmer also emphasized the need to continue pursuing new technologies even if initial attempts fail, citing the original attempts with Windows as an example.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Steve Ballmer on management style |url=http://www.itworld.com/051109ballmerinterview |work=ITWorld |agency=CIO Asia |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |date=November 10, 2005 |first=Gerald |last=Wee |access-date=January 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514145636/http://www.itworld.com/051109ballmerinterview |archive-date=May 14, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>]]
[[File:Belgique - Bruxelles - Schuman - Berlaymont - 01.jpg|thumb|Headquarters of the [[European Commission]], which has imposed several fines on Microsoft]]
Released in January 2007, the next version of Windows, [[Windows Vista|Vista]], focused on features, security and a redesigned user interface dubbed [[Windows Aero|Aero]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/windows/windows-vista-ultimate/4505-3672_7-32013603.html |title=Windows Vista Ultimate review |date=January 23, 2007 |access-date=April 4, 2012 |last=Vamosi |first=Robert |work=[[CNET]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406015257/http://reviews.cnet.com/windows/windows-vista-ultimate/4505-3672_7-32013603.html |archive-date=April 6, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.informationweek.com/gates-says-security-is-job-one-for-vista-/d/d-id/1040561 |title=Gates Says Security Is Job One For Vista |date=February 14, 2006 |access-date=April 4, 2012 |last=Ricadela |first=Aaron |work=[[InformationWeek]] |publisher=UBM TechWeb |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318064254/http://informationweek.com/news/180201580 |archive-date=March 18, 2012 }}</ref> [[Microsoft Office 2007]], released at the same time, featured a "[[Ribbon (computing)|Ribbon]]" user interface which was a significant departure from its predecessors. Relatively strong sales of both products helped to produce a record profit in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/vista-gives-microsoft-view-of-record-profit-1-1316524 |title=Vista gives Microsoft view of record profit |work=Edinburgh Evening News |date=April 27, 2007 |publisher=[[Johnston Press]] |access-date=February 1, 2009 |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804053508/https://www.scotsman.com/business/vista-gives-microsoft-view-record-profit-2512476 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The European Union imposed another fine of €899&nbsp;million ($1.4&nbsp;billion) for Microsoft's lack of compliance with the March 2004 judgment on February 27, 2008, saying that the company charged rivals unreasonable prices for key information about its [[Microsoft SQL Server|workgroup]] and [[Microsoft BackOffice Server|backoffice]] servers.<ref>{{Cite book |last=McCormick |first=John |title=European Union Politics |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-230-57707-7 |location=New York |pages=340 |language=en}}</ref> Microsoft stated that it was in compliance and that "these fines are about the past issues that have been resolved".<ref>{{Cite news |title=AFP:EU hits Microsoft with record 899&nbsp;million euro antitrust fine |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iozBXlp2nzuVxnMx_SwmtKvi7C-w |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |work=[[Google News]] |date=February 27, 2008 |access-date=June 1, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430164250/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iozBXlp2nzuVxnMx_SwmtKvi7C-w |archive-date=April 30, 2008}}</ref> 2007 also saw the creation of a multi-core unit at Microsoft, following the steps of server companies such as Sun and IBM.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.serverwatch.com/trends/article.php/3657451/Microsoft-Multicore-and-the-Data-Center.htm |title=Microsoft, Multi-core and the Data Center |access-date=March 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406115001/http://www.serverwatch.com/trends/article.php/3657451/Microsoft-Multicore-and-the-Data-Center.htm |archive-date=April 6, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Gates retired from his role as Chief Software Architect on June 27, 2008, a decision announced in June 2006, while retaining other positions related to the company in addition to being an advisor for the company on key projects.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1977363,00.asp |title=Bill Gates Announces Resignation |author-link=Natali Morris |last=Conte |first=Natali Del |magazine=[[PC Magazine]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=June 15, 2006 |access-date=July 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420070747/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1977363,00.asp |archive-date=April 20, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/3357698/Bill-Gates-steps-down-as-Microsoft-head-to-concentrate-on-philanthropy.html |title=Bill Gates steps down as Microsoft head to concentrate on philanthropy |last=Beaumont |first=Claudine |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |date=June 27, 2008 |access-date=January 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313023003/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/3357698/Bill-Gates-steps-down-as-Microsoft-head-to-concentrate-on-philanthropy.html |archive-date=March 13, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Microsoft Azure|Azure Services Platform]], the company's entry into the [[cloud computing]] market for Windows, launched on October 27, 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/microsoft-launches-windows-azure/ |title=Microsoft launches Windows Azure |work=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |first=Ina |last=Fried |author-link=Ina Fried |date=October 27, 2008 |access-date=July 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510020425/http://news.cnet.com/microsoft-launches-windows-azure/ |archive-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> On February 12, 2009, Microsoft announced its intent to open a chain of Microsoft-branded retail stores, and on October 22, 2009, the first retail [[Microsoft Store (retail)|Microsoft Store]] opened in [[Scottsdale, Arizona]]; the same day [[Windows 7]] was officially released to the public. Windows 7's focus was on refining Vista with ease-of-use features and performance enhancements, rather than an extensive reworking of Windows.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10163206-56.html |title=Microsoft follows Apple into the retail business |work=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |first=Ina |last=Fried |author-link=Ina Fried |date=February 12, 2009 |access-date=July 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510020436/http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10163206-56.html |archive-date=May 10, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-microsoft-store-idUSTRE59L5E220091022 |title=Long lines as Microsoft opens retail store |work=[[Reuters]] |publisher=[[Thomson Reuters]] |last=Gaynor |first=Tim |date=October 22, 2009 |access-date=July 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204102408/http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/10/22/us-microsoft-store-idUSTRE59L5E220091022 |archive-date=February 4, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna33429899 |title=Windows 7 operating system makes its debut |work=[[NBCNews.com]] |publisher=[[NBCUniversal]] |agency=Associated Press |last=Mintz |first=Jessica |date=October 22, 2009 |access-date=April 4, 2012}}</ref>

As the smartphone industry boomed in the late 2000s, Microsoft had struggled to keep up with its rivals in providing a modern smartphone operating system, falling behind [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] and [[Google]]-sponsored [[Android (operating system)|Android]] in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2010/10/11/technology/windows_phone_7/index.htm|title=Microsoft unveils Windows Phone 7 partners – Oct. 11, 2010|website=money.cnn.com}}</ref> As a result, in 2010 Microsoft revamped their aging flagship mobile operating system, [[Windows Mobile]], replacing it with the new [[Windows Phone]] OS that was released in October that year.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Lecrenski |first1=Nick |title=Beginning Windows Phone 7 Application Development: Building Windows Phone Applications Using Silverlight and XNA |last2=Watson |first2=Karli |last3=Fonseca-Ensor |first3=Robert |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-470-91233-1 |location=Hoboken, NJ |pages=4 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Helal |first1=Abdelsalam A. |title=Mobile Platforms and Development Environments |last2=Helal |first2=Sumi |last3=Bose |first3=Raja |last4=Li |first4=Wendong |publisher=Morgan & Claypool Publishers |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-60845-866-0 |pages=33 |language=en}}</ref> It used a new user interface design language, codenamed "Metro", which prominently used simple shapes, typography, and iconography, utilizing the concept of minimalism. Microsoft implemented a new strategy for the software industry, providing a consistent user experience across all smartphones using the Windows Phone OS. It launched an alliance with [[Nokia]] in 2011 and Microsoft worked closely with the company to co-develop Windows Phone,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marketingweek.com/nokia-to-partner-with-microsoft-under-new-structure/|title=Nokia to partner with Microsoft under new structure|first=Rosie|last=Baker|date=February 11, 2011}}</ref> but remained partners with long-time Windows Mobile [[Original equipment manufacturer|OEM]] [[HTC]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/9/19/3356676/htc-microsoft-windows-phone-8-marketing-partnership|title=HTC rekindles its old Microsoft romance and bets on Windows Phone 8|first=Tom|last=Warren|date=September 19, 2012|website=The Verge}}</ref> Microsoft is a founding member of the [[Open Networking Foundation]] started on March 23, 2011. Fellow founders were [[Google]], [[HPE Networking]], [[Yahoo!]], [[Verizon#History|Verizon Communications]], [[Deutsche Telekom]] and 17 other companies. This nonprofit organization is focused on providing support for a [[cloud computing]] initiative called Software-Defined Networking.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.openflow.org/wp/2011/03/open-networking-foundation-formed-to-speed-network-innovation/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326044008/http://www.openflow.org/wp/2011/03/open-networking-foundation-formed-to-speed-network-innovation/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 26, 2011 |title=Open Networking Foundation News Release |first=David |last=Erickson |work=Openflow.org |date=March 21, 2011 |access-date=May 29, 2011}}</ref> The initiative is meant to speed innovation through simple software changes in telecommunications networks, wireless networks, data centers, and other networking areas.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/380663/google_other_titans_form_open_networking_foundation/?fp=4&fpid=78268965 |title="Google and other titans form Open Networking Foundation." Noyes, March 23, 2011 |work=[[Computerworld]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |date=March 23, 2011 |access-date=May 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110406121956/http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/380663/google_other_titans_form_open_networking_foundation/?fp=4&fpid=78268965 |archive-date=April 6, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2011–2014: Windows 8/8.1, Xbox One, Outlook.com, and Surface devices===
[[File:SurfacePro3.JPG|thumb|[[Surface Pro 3]], part of the [[Microsoft Surface|Surface]] series of [[2-in-1 laptop]]s by Microsoft]]
Following the release of [[Windows Phone]], Microsoft undertook a gradual [[rebranding]] of its product range throughout 2011 and 2012, with the corporation's logos, products, services, and websites adopting the principles and concepts of the [[Metro (design language)|Metro design language]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_phone/b/wpdev/archive/2010/03/18/windows-phone-7-series-ui-design-amp-interaction-guide.aspx |title=Windows Phone 7 Series UI Design & Interaction Guide |access-date=October 9, 2010 |date=March 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527071856/http://blogs.windows.com/windows_phone/b/wpdev/archive/2010/03/18/windows-phone-7-series-ui-design-amp-interaction-guide.aspx |archive-date=May 27, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Microsoft unveiled [[Windows 8]], an operating system designed to power both personal computers and [[tablet computer]]s, in Taipei in June 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/info-tech/article3479381.ece |title=Microsoft releases final test version of Windows 8 |work=[[Business Line]] |publisher=Kasturi & Sons |date=June 1, 2012 |access-date=August 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828170727/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/info-tech/article3479381.ece |archive-date=August 28, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> A developer preview was released on September 13, which was subsequently replaced by a consumer preview on February 29, 2012, and released to the public in May.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/01/05/businessinsider-microsoft-spills-beans-on--at-ces-2011-1.DTL |title=OK, So Windows 8 Is Coming To ARM Tablets&nbsp;... Someday (MSFT) |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |first=Matt |last=Rosoff |date=January 5, 2011 |access-date=January 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629064811/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fg%2Fa%2F2011%2F01%2F05%2Fbusinessinsider-microsoft-spills-beans-on--at-ces-2011-1.DTL |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Microsoft Surface|Surface]] was unveiled on June 18, becoming the first computer in the company's history to have its hardware made by Microsoft.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Sullivan |first=Mark |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/257840/microsoft_announces_new_surface_tablet_pc.html |title=Microsoft Announces New 'Surface' Tablet PC |magazine=PCWorld |date=June 18, 2012 |access-date=June 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208230356/http://www.pcworld.com/article/257840/microsoft_announces_new_surface_tablet_pc.html |archive-date=February 8, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="VF2012">Eichenwald, Kurt, [https://vanityfair.com/business/2012/08/microsoft-lost-mojo-steve-ballmer "Microsoft's Lost Decade: How Microsoft Lost Its Mojo"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816012416/http://www.vanityfair.com/business/2012/08/microsoft-lost-mojo-steve-ballmer |date=August 16, 2013}}, ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'', August 2012</ref> On June 25, Microsoft paid US$1.2&nbsp;billion to buy the social network [[Viva Engage#History|Yammer]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft buys Internet startup Yammer for $1.2 billion |url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2012-06-25/microsoft-yammer-aquisition/55811172/1 |work=[[USA Today]]  |first=Byron |last=Acohido |date=June 25, 2012 |access-date=June 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626105139/http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2012-06-25/microsoft-yammer-aquisition/55811172/1 |archive-date=June 26, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> On July 31, they launched the [[Outlook.com]] [[Webmail|webmail service]] to compete with [[Gmail]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Thurrott|first=Paul|date=July 31, 2012|title=Outlook.com Mail: Microsoft Reimagines Webmail|url=http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows-live/outlookcom-mail-microsoft-reimagines-webmail-143877|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803011439/http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows-live/outlookcom-mail-microsoft-reimagines-webmail-143877|archive-date=August 3, 2012|access-date=August 1, 2012|work=Supersite for Windows|publisher=[[Penton (company)|Penton Media]]}}</ref> On September 4, 2012, Microsoft released [[Windows Server 2012]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/new.aspx |title=Windows Server 2012 "Save the Date" Announcement |date=August 8, 2012 |publisher=Microsoft |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107032736/http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/server-cloud/new.aspx |archive-date=November 7, 2013}}</ref>

In July 2012, Microsoft sold its 50% stake in MSNBC, which it had run as a joint venture with NBC since 1996.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Venkatesan |first1=Adithya |last2=Mukherjee |first2=Supantha |last3=Leske |first3=Nicola |title=Comcast buys Microsoft stake in MSNBC.com |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-msnbc-microsoft-idUSBRE86F04W20120716 |access-date=February 13, 2015 |work=Reuters |date=July 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213235010/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/16/us-msnbc-microsoft-idUSBRE86F04W20120716 |archive-date=February 13, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> On October 1, 2012, Microsoft announced its intention to launch a news operation, part of a new-look [[MSN]], with Windows 8 later in the month.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-microsoft-msn-idUSBRE8900WN20121001 |title=Microsoft launching news operation, new MSN |work=Reuters |access-date=October 1, 2012 |first=Bill |last=Rigby |date=October 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002064137/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/01/us-microsoft-msn-idUSBRE8900WN20121001 |archive-date=October 2, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> On October 26, 2012, Microsoft launched Windows 8 and the [[Microsoft Surface]].<ref name="VF2012" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-8s-delivery-date-october-26/ |title=Windows 8's delivery date: October 26 |newspaper=ZDNet |date=July 18, 2012 |access-date=September 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919182044/http://www.zdnet.com/windows-8s-delivery-date-october-26-7000001158/ |archive-date=September 19, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> Three days later, [[Windows Phone 8]] was launched.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.liveside.net/2012/08/30/mary-jo-foley-windows-phone-8-launch-dates-revealed/ |title=Mary Jo Foley: Windows Phone 8 launch date revealed |work=LiveSide Archive |publisher=LiveSide.net |date=August 30, 2012 |access-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103151119/http://www.liveside.net/2012/08/30/mary-jo-foley-windows-phone-8-launch-dates-revealed/ |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> To cope with the potential for an increase in demand for products and services, Microsoft opened a number of "holiday stores" across the U.S. to complement the increasing number of "bricks-and-mortar" Microsoft Stores that opened in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.wpcentral.com/microsoft-prepping-everything-complete-brand-and-product-relaunch |title=Microsoft prepping for complete brand and product line relaunch, New York store coming the 26th |publisher=wpcentral.com |access-date=November 3, 2012 |date=October 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102010038/http://www.wpcentral.com/microsoft-prepping-everything-complete-brand-and-product-relaunch |archive-date=November 2, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> On March 29, 2013, Microsoft launched a Patent Tracker.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://thenextweb.com/microsoft/2013/03/28/microsoft-launches-patent-tracker-to-help-you-search-its-library-of-intellectual-property/ |title=Microsoft launches 'Patent Tracker' to help you search its library of intellectual property |work=The Next Web |date=March 28, 2013 |access-date=March 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331031250/http://thenextweb.com/microsoft/2013/03/28/microsoft-launches-patent-tracker-to-help-you-search-its-library-of-intellectual-property/ |archive-date=March 31, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2012, the [[New York City Police Department]] announced a partnership with Microsoft for the development of the [[Domain Awareness System]] which is used for [[Police surveillance in New York City]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nypd-unveils-new-40-million-super-computer-system-data-network-cameras-license-plate-readers-crime-reports-article-1.1132135 |title=NYPD unveils new $40 million supercomputer system that uses data from a network of cameras, license plate readers and crime reports |last1=Parascandola|first1=Rocco|last2=Moore|first2=Tina |website=New York Daily News |date=August 8, 2012 |access-date=June 15, 2019}}</ref>

[[File:Xbox One Console Set.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Xbox One]] console, released in 2013]]
The [[Kinect]], a motion-sensing input device made by Microsoft and designed as a [[Game controller|video game controller]], first introduced in November 2010, was upgraded for the 2013 release of the [[Xbox One]] video game console. Kinect's capabilities were revealed in May 2013: an ultra-wide 1080p camera, function in the dark due to an infrared sensor, higher-end processing power and new software, the ability to distinguish between fine movements (such as a thumb movement), and determining a user's heart rate by looking at their face.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The all-seeing Kinect: tracking my face, arms, body, and heart on the Xbox One |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/21/4353232/kinect-xbox-one-hands-on/in/4116279 |work=The Verge |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |access-date=May 28, 2013 |first=David |last=Pierce |date=May 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607054123/http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/21/4353232/kinect-xbox-one-hands-on/in/4116279 |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Microsoft filed a patent application in 2011 that suggests that the corporation may use the Kinect camera system to monitor the behavior of television viewers as part of a plan to make the viewing experience more interactive.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Yirka |first1=Bob |last2=Phys.org |title=Microsoft applies for patent on technology to count users watching streamed content |url=https://phys.org/news/2012-11-microsoft-patent-technology-users-streamed.html |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=phys.org |language=en}}</ref> On July 19, 2013, Microsoft stocks suffered their biggest one-day percentage sell-off since the year 2000, after its fourth-quarter report raised concerns among investors on the poor showings of both Windows 8 and the Surface tablet. Microsoft suffered a loss of more than US$32&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57594612-75/funky-friday-more-than-$32-billion-in-microsoft-stock-value-wiped-out/ |title=Funky Friday: More than $32 billion in Microsoft stock value wiped out &#124; Microsoft—CNET News |publisher=News.cnet.com |access-date=July 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822073858/http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57594612-75/funky-friday-more-than-$32-billion-in-microsoft-stock-value-wiped-out/ |archive-date=August 22, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In line with the maturing PC business, in July 2013, Microsoft announced that it would reorganize the business into four new business divisions, namely Operating systems, Apps, Cloud, and Devices. All previous divisions will be dissolved into new divisions without any workforce cuts.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.fiercemobileit.com/story/microsofts-sweeping-reorganization-shifts-focus-services-devices/2013-07-11 |title=Microsoft's sweeping reorganization shifts focus to services, devices |date=July 11, 2013 |access-date=October 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026191536/http://www.fiercemobileit.com/story/microsofts-sweeping-reorganization-shifts-focus-services-devices/2013-07-11 |archive-date=October 26, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> On September 3, 2013, Microsoft agreed to buy [[Nokia]]'s mobile unit for $7&nbsp;billion,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/9/2/4688530/microsoft-buys-nokias-devices-and-services-unit-unites-windows-phone/in/4453001 |title=Microsoft buying Nokia's phone business in a $7.2 billion bid for its mobile future |date=September 3, 2013 |access-date=September 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929192139/https://www.theverge.com/2013/9/2/4688530/microsoft-buys-nokias-devices-and-services-unit-unites-windows-phone/in/4453001 |archive-date=September 29, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> following [[Amy Hood]] taking the role of CFO.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-microsoft-cfo-idUSBRE94711Q20130508 |title=Microsoft names insider Amy Hood as CFO |agency=Reuters.com |date=May 8, 2013 |access-date=April 18, 2014 |newspaper=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409123351/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/08/us-microsoft-cfo-idUSBRE94711Q20130508 |archive-date=April 9, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

===2014–2020: Windows 10, Microsoft Edge, and HoloLens===
[[File:Satya smiling-print.jpg|thumb|[[Satya Nadella]] succeeded [[Steve Ballmer]] as the [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] of Microsoft in February 2014.]]
On February 4, 2014, [[Steve Ballmer]] stepped down as [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] of Microsoft and was succeeded by [[Satya Nadella]], who previously led Microsoft's Cloud and Enterprise division.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to retire within 12 months |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2013/08/23/microsoft-ceo-steve-ballmer-to-retire-within-12-months/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823130816/http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2013/aug13/08-23AnnouncementPR.aspx |archive-date=August 23, 2013 |date=August 23, 2013}}</ref> On the same day, [[John W. Thompson]] took on the role of chairman, in place of Bill Gates, who continued to participate as a technology advisor.<ref name=chairex>{{Cite web |last1=David |first1=Javier E |title=Nadella named new Microsoft CEO as Gates era ends |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/microsoft-names-satya-nadella-ceo-2D12054182 |website=[[NBCNews.com]] |publisher=[[NBCUniversal]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205010025/https://www.nbcnews.com/business/microsoft-names-satya-nadella-ceo-2D12054182 |archive-date=February 5, 2014 |date=February 5, 2014}}</ref> Thompson became the second chairman in Microsoft's history.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theroot.com/john-w-thompson-to-become-1st-black-chairman-of-micros-1790874479 |title=John W. Thompson to Become 1st Black Chairman of Microsoft |last=Edwards |first=Breanna |work=The Root |access-date=February 1, 2018 |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202012807/https://www.theroot.com/john-w-thompson-to-become-1st-black-chairman-of-micros-1790874479 |archive-date=February 2, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> On April 25, 2014, Microsoft acquired Nokia Devices and Services for $7.2&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Microsoft to close its acquisition of Nokia's devices and services business on April 25 |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-04-22/news/49318731_1_nokia-india-nokia-corp-microsoft-corp |newspaper=The Economic Times |access-date=May 25, 2016 |date=April 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805051448/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-04-22/news/49318731_1_nokia-india-nokia-corp-microsoft-corp |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> This new subsidiary was renamed Microsoft Mobile Oy.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Borges |first1=Andre |title=Nokia phone division to be renamed Microsoft Mobile, reveals leaked letter |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/scitech/report-nokia-phone-division-to-be-renamed-microsoft-mobile-reveals-leaked-letter-1980628 |publisher=dna |access-date=May 25, 2016 |date=April 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015073328/http://www.dnaindia.com/scitech/report-nokia-phone-division-to-be-renamed-microsoft-mobile-reveals-leaked-letter-1980628 |archive-date=October 15, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> On September 15, 2014, Microsoft acquired the video game development company [[Mojang]], best known for ''[[Minecraft]]'', for $2.5&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hutchinson |first1=Lee |title=It's official: Microsoft acquires Mojang and Minecraft for $2.5 billion |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/09/its-official-microsoft-acquires-mojang-and-minecraft-for-2-5-billion/ |website=Ars Technica |access-date=September 19, 2014 |ref=152 |date=September 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140919004256/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/09/its-official-microsoft-acquires-mojang-and-minecraft-for-2-5-billion/ |archive-date=September 19, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> On June 8, 2017, Microsoft acquired [[Hexadite]], an Israeli security firm, for $100&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dellinger |first1=AJ |title=Microsoft Buys Cybersecurity Company Hexadite To Respond To Cyberattacks |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/microsoft-buys-cybersecurity-company-hexadite-respond-cyberattacks-2549768 |website=[[International Business Times]] |date=June 8, 2017 |access-date=June 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608231948/http://www.ibtimes.com/microsoft-buys-cybersecurity-company-hexadite-respond-cyberattacks-2549768 |archive-date=June 8, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Microsoft agrees to buy U.S.-Israeli cyber firm Hexadite |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-microsoft-m-a-hexadite-idUSKBN18Z1XP |work=Reuters |date=June 8, 2017 |access-date=June 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609043207/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-microsoft-m-a-hexadite-idUSKBN18Z1XP |archive-date=June 9, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 21, 2015, Microsoft announced the release of their first [[interactive whiteboard]], named [[Surface Hub]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft at MWC 2015: Lumia 640 and 640 XL Announced, 4K 120Hz Surface Hub Demoed |url=http://anandtech.com/show/9030/microsoft-lumia-640-640-xl-4k-120hz-surface-hub |access-date=September 27, 2015 |first=Ian Cutress, Andrei |last=Frumusanu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927230334/http://anandtech.com/show/9030/microsoft-lumia-640-640-xl-4k-120hz-surface-hub |archive-date=September 27, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> On July 29, 2015, [[Windows 10]] was released,<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Howse |first1=Brett |title=Windows 10 Launches Worldwide |url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/9471/windows-10-launches-worldwide |publisher=AnandTech |access-date=May 25, 2016 |date=July 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624141118/http://www.anandtech.com/show/9471/windows-10-launches-worldwide |archive-date=June 24, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> with its server sibling, [[Windows Server 2016]], released in September 2016. In Q1 2015, Microsoft was the [[List of best-selling mobile phones#Annual sales by manufacturer|third-largest maker of mobile phones]], selling 33&nbsp;million units (7.2% of all). While a large majority (at least <!-- (8271/33002)= -->75%) of them do not run any version of [[Windows Phone]] — those other phones are not categorized as [[smartphone]]s by Gartner{{Snd}}in the same timeframe 8&nbsp;million Windows smartphones (2.5% of all smartphones) were made by all manufacturers (mostly Microsoft).<ref>{{Cite press release |url=http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/3061917 |title=Gartner Says Emerging Markets Drove Worldwide Smartphone Sales to 19 Percent Growth in First Quarter of 2015 |publisher=Gartner |date=May 27, 2015 |access-date=July 28, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614044340/http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/3061917 |archive-date=June 14, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Microsoft's share of the U.S. smartphone market in January 2016 was 2.7%.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/tech/microsoft-windows-mobile-strategy-change-173738169.html |title=Microsoft needs to change its mobile strategy or get out |last=Howley |first=Daniel |date=May 25, 2016 |website=[[Yahoo! Tech]] |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527025910/https://www.yahoo.com/tech/microsoft-windows-mobile-strategy-change-173738169.html |archive-date=May 27, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> During the summer of 2015 the company lost $7.6&nbsp;billion related to its mobile-phone business, firing 7,800 employees.<ref name="WSJ: Microsoft to Streamline Smartphone Hardware Business">{{cite news |last1=Greene |first1=Jay |title=Microsoft to Streamline Smartphone Hardware Business |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsoft-to-streamline-smartphone-hardware-business-1464166803 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=May 25, 2016 |date=May 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525095132/http://www.wsj.com/articles/microsoft-to-streamline-smartphone-hardware-business-1464166803 |archive-date=May 25, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, the construction of a data center in [[Mecklenburg County, Virginia|Mecklenburg County]], [[Virginia]], led to the destruction of a historic [[African Americans|African American]] cemetery despite archeological recommendations for preservation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wessler |first=Seth Freed |date=December 16, 2022 |title=Developers Found Graves in the Virginia Woods. Authorities Then Helped Erase the Historic Black Cemetery. |url=https://www.propublica.org/article/how-authorities-erased-historic-black-cemetery-virginia |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=ProPublica |language=en}}</ref>

On March 1, 2016, Microsoft announced the merger of its PC and Xbox divisions, with [[Phil Spencer (business executive)|Phil Spencer]] announcing that Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps would be the focus for Microsoft's gaming in the future.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/mar/01/microsoft-to-unify-pc-and-xbox-one-platforms-ending-fixed-console-hardware |title=Microsoft to unify PC and Xbox One platforms, ending fixed console hardware |first=Keith |last=Stuart |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=March 2016 |access-date=December 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217085439/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/mar/01/microsoft-to-unify-pc-and-xbox-one-platforms-ending-fixed-console-hardware |archive-date=December 17, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> On January 24, 2017, Microsoft showcased Intune for Education at the [[BETT]] 2017 education technology conference in [[London]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Mehdi |first1=Yusuf |title=Announcing Intune for Education & new Windows 10 PCs for school starting at $189 |url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2017/01/24/announcing-intune-education-new-windows-10-pcs-school-starting-189/#bdsoyDTQ4EQqK1Lg.97 |website=The Official Microsoft Blog |access-date=January 25, 2017 |date=January 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170125192422/https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2017/01/24/announcing-intune-education-new-windows-10-pcs-school-starting-189/#bdsoyDTQ4EQqK1Lg.97 |archive-date=January 25, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Intune for Education is a new cloud-based application and device management service for the education sector.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/24/microsoft-launches-intune-for-education-to-counter-googles-chromebooks-in-schools/ |title=Microsoft launches Intune for Education to counter Google's Chromebooks in schools |work=TechCrunch |author=Frederic Lardinois |date=January 24, 2017 |access-date=January 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170125065925/https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/24/microsoft-launches-intune-for-education-to-counter-googles-chromebooks-in-schools/ |archive-date=January 25, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2016, the company announced it was laying off 1,850 workers, and taking an impairment and restructuring charge of $950&nbsp;million.<ref name="WSJ: Microsoft to Streamline Smartphone Hardware Business" />

In June 2016, Microsoft announced a project named Microsoft Azure Information Protection. It aims to help enterprises protect their data as it moves between servers and devices.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/06/22/microsoft-announces-new-data-protection-tool-to-help-enterprises-secure-their-data/ |title=Microsoft announces new data protection tool to help enterprises secure their data |work=Tech Crunch |date=June 22, 2016 |access-date=June 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622190324/https://techcrunch.com/2016/06/22/microsoft-announces-new-data-protection-tool-to-help-enterprises-secure-their-data/ |archive-date=June 22, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2016, Microsoft joined the [[Linux Foundation]] as a Platinum member during Microsoft's Connect(); developer event in New York.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft has joined the Linux Foundation |url=https://www.linuxfoundation.org/announcements/microsoft-fortifies-commitment-to-open-source-becomes-linux-foundation-platinum |access-date=November 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125174704/https://www.linuxfoundation.org/announcements/microsoft-fortifies-commitment-to-open-source-becomes-linux-foundation-platinum |archive-date=November 25, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The cost of each Platinum membership is US$500,000 per year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft joined linux foundation with yearly platinum membership |url=https://www.lockssl.com/microsoft-joins-linux-foundation/ |publisher=Lock SSL |access-date=November 24, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202005415/https://www.lockssl.com/microsoft-joins-linux-foundation/ |archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref> Some analysts deemed this unthinkable ten years prior, however, as in 2001 then-CEO Steve Ballmer called Linux "cancer".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/11/16/13651940/microsoft-linux-foundation-membership |title=Microsoft joins the Linux Foundation, 15 years after Ballmer called it 'cancer' |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=November 11, 2016 |work=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |access-date=August 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816110931/https://www.theverge.com/2016/11/16/13651940/microsoft-linux-foundation-membership |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Microsoft planned to launch a preview of Intune for Education "in the coming weeks", with general availability scheduled for spring 2017, priced at $30 per device, or through volume licensing agreements.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-introduces-intune-for-education-promising-simple-setup-and-management-of-devices |title=Microsoft introduces Intune for Education, promising simple setup and management of devices |publisher=Neowin |author=Andy Weir |date=January 24, 2017 |access-date=January 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127080810/https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-introduces-intune-for-education-promising-simple-setup-and-management-of-devices |archive-date=January 27, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Nokia & Microsoft Lumia devices.png|thumb|left|The [[Nokia Lumia 1320]], the [[Microsoft Lumia 535]] and the [[Nokia Lumia 530]], which all run on one of the now-discontinued [[Windows Phone]] operating systems]]
In January 2018, Microsoft patched [[Windows 10]] to account for CPU problems related to [[Meltdown (security vulnerability)|Intel's Meltdown security breach]]. The patch led to issues with the [[Microsoft Azure]] virtual machines reliant on Intel's CPU architecture. On January 12, Microsoft released [[PowerShell|PowerShell Core 6.0]] for the [[macOS]] and [[Linux]] operating systems.<ref name="TheRegister2018">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/12/25/microsoft_year_in_review_2018/ |title=Microsoft's 2018, part 1: Open source, wobbly Windows and everyone's going to the cloud |website=[[The Register]] |access-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103060059/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/12/25/microsoft_year_in_review_2018/ |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2018, Microsoft killed notification support for their [[Windows Phone]] devices which effectively ended firmware updates for the discontinued devices.<ref name="TheRegister2018" /> In March 2018, Microsoft recalled [[Windows 10 editions#Discontinued editions|Windows 10 S]] to change it to a mode for the Windows operating system rather than a separate and unique operating system. In March the company also established guidelines that censor users of [[Office 365]] from using [[profanity]] in private documents.<ref name="TheRegister2018" />

In April 2018, Microsoft released the source code for Windows [[File Manager (Windows)|File Manager]] under the [[MIT License]] to celebrate the program's 20th anniversary. In April the company further expressed willingness to embrace open source initiatives by announcing [[Azure Sphere]] as its own derivative of the [[Linux]] operating system.<ref name="TheRegister2018" /> In May 2018, Microsoft partnered with 17 American intelligence agencies to develop [[cloud computing]] products. The project is dubbed "Azure Government" and has ties to the [[Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure]] (JEDI) surveillance program.<ref name="TheRegister2018" /> On June 4, 2018, Microsoft officially announced the acquisition of [[GitHub]] for $7.5&nbsp;billion, a deal that closed on October 26, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://news.microsoft.com/2018/06/04/microsoft-to-acquire-github-for-7-5-billion/ |title=Microsoft to acquire GitHub for $7.5 billion |date=June 4, 2018 |website=Microsoft |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180604142244/https://news.microsoft.com/2018/06/04/microsoft-to-acquire-github-for-7-5-billion/ |archive-date=June 4, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/microsoft-completes-github-acquisition/ar-BBOVVOT |title=Microsoft completes GitHub acquisition |website=www.msn.com |access-date=April 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112212059/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/microsoft-completes-github-acquisition/ar-BBOVVOT |archive-date=January 12, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On July 10, 2018, Microsoft revealed the [[Microsoft Surface Go|Surface Go]] platform to the public. Later in the month, it converted [[Microsoft Teams]] to [[Gratis versus libre|gratis]].<ref name="TheRegister2018" /> In August 2018, Microsoft released two projects called Microsoft AccountGuard and Defending Democracy. It also unveiled [[Qualcomm Snapdragon|Snapdragon 850]] compatibility for [[Windows 10]] on the [[ARM architecture]].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Hackett |first1=Robert |title=Microsoft Offers Free Cybersecurity Tools to Political Candidates—But You've Got to Be a Microsoft Customer |url=http://fortune.com/2018/08/21/microsoft-free-cybersecurity-tools-midterm-election-facebook-google/ |access-date=August 24, 2018 |date=August 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822112819/http://fortune.com/2018/08/21/microsoft-free-cybersecurity-tools-midterm-election-facebook-google/ |archive-date=August 22, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lerman |first1=Rachel |title=Microsoft releases new security tools for political campaigns to combat hacking attempts |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft/microsoft-releases-new-security-tools-for-political-campaigns-to-combat-hacking-attempts/ |access-date=August 24, 2018 |newspaper=The Seattle Times |date=August 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824102040/https://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft/microsoft-releases-new-security-tools-for-political-campaigns-to-combat-hacking-attempts/ |archive-date=August 24, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TheRegister2018" />

[[File:Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin tries out Microsoft HoloLens (29794543715).jpg|thumb|upright|[[Apollo 11]] astronaut [[Buzz Aldrin]] using a [[Microsoft HoloLens]] mixed reality headset in September 2016]]
In August 2018, [[Toyota Tsusho]] began a partnership with Microsoft to create [[fish farming]] tools using the Microsoft Azure application suite for [[Internet of things]] (IoT) technologies related to water management. Developed in part by researchers from [[Kindai University]], the water pump mechanisms use [[artificial intelligence]] to count the number of fish on a [[conveyor belt]], analyze the number of fish, and deduce the effectiveness of water flow from the data the fish provide. The specific [[computer program]]s used in the process fall under the Azure Machine Learning and the Azure IoT Hub platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/09/01/ai_roundup_310818/ |title=Google goes bilingual, Facebook fleshes out translation and TensorFlow is dope—And, Microsoft is assisting fish farmers in Japan |website=[[The Register]] |access-date=September 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902114415/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/09/01/ai_roundup_310818/ |archive-date=September 2, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 2018, Microsoft discontinued [[Skype|Skype Classic]].<ref name="TheRegister2018" /> On October 10, 2018, Microsoft joined the [[Open Invention Network]] community despite holding more than 60,000 patents.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/10/10/microsoft_open_invention_network/ |title=Microsoft has signed up to the Open Invention Network. We repeat. Microsoft has signed up to the OIN |website=[[The Register]] |access-date=October 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011123124/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/10/10/microsoft_open_invention_network/ |archive-date=October 11, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2018, Microsoft agreed to supply 100,000 [[Microsoft HoloLens]] headsets to the [[United States Armed Forces|United States military]] in order to "increase lethality by enhancing the ability to detect, decide and engage before the enemy."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/11/29/microsoft_military_money/ |title=See this, Google? Microsoft happy to take a half-billion in sweet, sweet US military money to 'increase lethality' |website=[[The Register]] |access-date=November 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130140427/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/11/29/microsoft_military_money/ |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2018, Microsoft introduced Azure Multi-Factor Authentication for Microsoft Azure.<ref name="R1BDM">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/12/28/microsoft_2018_in_review_part_2/ |title=Microsoft's 2018, part 2: Azure data centers heat up and Windows 10? It burns! It burns! |website=[[The Register]] |access-date=January 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104072728/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/12/28/microsoft_2018_in_review_part_2/ |archive-date=January 4, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2018, Microsoft announced [[TianoCore EDK II#Project Mu|Project Mu]], an [[open source]] release of the [[UEFI|Unified Extensible Firmware Interface]] (UEFI) core used in [[Microsoft Surface]] and [[Hyper-V]] products. The project promotes the idea of [[TianoCore EDK II#Project Mu|Firmware as a Service]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://betanews.com/2018/12/20/microsoft-project-mu/ |title=Microsoft announces Project Mu, an open-source release of the UEFI core |date=December 20, 2018 |access-date=December 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221230714/https://betanews.com/2018/12/20/microsoft-project-mu/ |archive-date=December 21, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In the same month, Microsoft announced the [[open source]] implementation of [[Windows Forms]] and the [[Windows Presentation Foundation]] (WPF) which will allow for further movement of the company toward the transparent release of key frameworks used in developing Windows desktop applications and software. December also saw the company discontinue the [[Microsoft Edge Legacy|Microsoft Edge [Legacy]]] browser project in favor of the [[Microsoft Edge|"New Edge"]] browser project, featuring a [[Chromium (web browser)|Chromium]] based backend.<ref name="R1BDM" />

On February 20, 2019, Microsoft Corp said it will offer its cyber security service AccountGuard to 12 new markets in Europe including Germany, France and Spain, to close security gaps and protect customers in political space from hacking.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-microsoft-cyber-europe/microsoft-expands-political-security-service-to-12-european-countries-idUSKCN1Q90GF Microsoft expands political security service to 12 European countries] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220093504/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-microsoft-cyber-europe/microsoft-expands-political-security-service-to-12-european-countries-idUSKCN1Q90GF |date=February 20, 2019}}, Reuters (February 20, 2019)</ref> In February 2019, hundreds of Microsoft employees protested the company's [[war profiteering]] from a $480&nbsp;million contract to develop [[virtual reality headset]]s for the [[United States Army]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/feb/22/microsoft-protest-us-army-augmented-reality-headsets |title='We won't be war profiteers': Microsoft workers protest $480m army contract |newspaper=The Guardian |date=February 22, 2019 |last1=Wong |first1=Julia Carrie |author-link=Julia Carrie Wong |access-date=February 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223133132/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/feb/22/microsoft-protest-us-army-augmented-reality-headsets |archive-date=February 23, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2020–present: Acquisitions, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows 11===
{{See also|Acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft}}

On March 26, 2020, Microsoft announced it was acquiring Affirmed Networks for about $1.35&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.investors.com/news/technology/microsoft-stock-reacts-head-scratcher-acquisition/|title=Microsoft Stock Reacts To 'Head-Scratcher' Acquisition|date=March 27, 2020|work=Investor's Business Daily|access-date=March 30, 2020|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2020/03/26/microsoft-announces-agreement-to-acquire-affirmed-networks-to-deliver-new-opportunities-for-a-global-5g-ecosystem/|title=Microsoft announces agreement to acquire Affirmed Networks to deliver new opportunities for a global 5G ecosystem|date=March 26, 2020|website=The Official Microsoft Blog|language=en-US|access-date=March 30, 2020}}</ref> Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Microsoft closed all of its retail stores indefinitely due to health concerns.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-closing-retail-locations-novel-coronavirus-covid-2020-3|title=Microsoft is closing its retail stores around the world indefinitely because of the coronavirus crisis|publisher=[[Business Insider]]|access-date=March 17, 2020}}</ref> On July 22, 2020, Microsoft announced plans to close its [[Mixer (service)|Mixer]] service, planning to move existing partners to [[List of Facebook features#Facebook Gaming|Facebook Gaming]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/06/22/bringing-more-players-into-our-gaming-vision|title=Bringing More Players Into Our Gaming Vision|date=June 22, 2020|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=August 17, 2020}}</ref>

On July 31, 2020, it was reported that Microsoft was in talks to acquire [[TikTok]] after the [[First presidency of Donald Trump|Trump administration]] ordered [[ByteDance]] to [[Divestment|divest]] ownership of the application to the U.S.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Jacobs|first1=Jennifer|last2=Mohsin|first2=Saleha|last3=Leonard|first3=Jenny|date=July 31, 2020|title=Trump to Order China's ByteDance to Sell TikTok in U.S.|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-31/trump-to-order-china-s-bytedance-to-sell-tiktok-u-s-operations|access-date=August 3, 2020|newspaper=Bloomberg.com}}</ref> On August 3, 2020, after speculation on the deal, [[Donald Trump]] stated that Microsoft could buy the application, however, it should be completed by September 15, 2020, and that the [[United States Department of the Treasury]] should receive a portion if it were to go through.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Davidson|first=Helen|date=August 3, 2020|title=TikTok sale: Trump approves Microsoft's plan but says US should get a cut of any deal|url=http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/aug/03/tiktok-row-trump-to-take-action-soon-says-pompeo-as-microsoft-pursues-deal|access-date=August 3, 2020|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref>

On August 5, 2020, Microsoft stopped its [[Xbox Cloud Gaming#iOS|xCloud]] game streaming test for [[iOS]] devices. According to Microsoft, the future of xCloud on iOS remains unclear and potentially out of Microsoft's hands. [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] has imposed a strict limit on "[[Remote Desktop Services|remote desktop clients]]" which means applications are only allowed to connect to a user-owned host device or gaming console owned by the user.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/5/21356274/microsoft-xcloud-ios-apple-iphone-ipad-testing-ends-apple-app-store-policies|title=Microsoft cuts xCloud iOS testing early as its future on Apple devices remains unclear|access-date=August 5, 2020|website=The Verge|date=August 5, 2020}}</ref> On September 21, 2020, Microsoft announced its intent to acquire video game company [[ZeniMax Media]], the parent company of [[Bethesda Softworks]], for about $7.5&nbsp;billion, with the deal expected to occur in the second half of 2021 fiscal year.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Liana|last=Ruppert|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2020/09/21/microsoft-acquires-bethesda-the-studio-behind-fallout-the-elder-scrolls-doom-and-more|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921142458/https://www.gameinformer.com/2020/09/21/microsoft-acquires-bethesda-the-studio-behind-fallout-the-elder-scrolls-doom-and-more|url-status=live|archive-date=September 21, 2020|title=Microsoft Acquires Bethesda, The Studio Behind Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, And More|magazine=Game Informer|date=September 21, 2020|access-date=September 22, 2020}}</ref> On March 9, 2021, the acquisition was finalized and ZeniMax Media became part of Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios division.<ref>{{cite web|first=Matt T.M.|last=Kim|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/microsofts-zenimax-acquisition-officially-complete-bethesda-now-a-part-of-xbox|title=Microsoft's ZeniMax Acquisition Officially Complete, Bethesda Now a Part of Xbox|website=IGN|date=March 10, 2021|access-date=March 10, 2021}}</ref> The total price of the deal was $8.1 billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://microsoft.gcs-web.com/static-files/0a2b8528-fb8b-4d11-8da2-fd9fa988a155|title=Form 10-K|page=39|website=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission|SEC]]|date=June 30, 2021|access-date=August 7, 2021|archive-date=August 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806183040/https://microsoft.gcs-web.com/static-files/0a2b8528-fb8b-4d11-8da2-fd9fa988a155|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On September 22, 2020, Microsoft announced that it had an exclusive license to use [[OpenAI]]'s GPT-3 artificial intelligence language generator.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=OpenAI is giving Microsoft exclusive access to its GPT-3 language model |url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/09/23/1008729/openai-is-giving-microsoft-exclusive-access-to-its-gpt-3-language-model/ |date=September 23, 2020 |last=Hao |first=Karen |access-date=September 26, 2020 |magazine=[[MIT Technology Review]] |language=en |quote="On September 22, Microsoft announced that it would begin exclusively licensing GPT-3, the world's largest language model, built by San Francisco–based OpenAI."}}</ref> The previous version of [[GPT-3]], called [[GPT-2]], made headlines for being "too dangerous to release" and had numerous capabilities, including designing websites, prescribing medication, answering questions, and penning articles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/microsoft-openai-gpt-3-exclusive-b550673.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220514/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/microsoft-openai-gpt-3-exclusive-b550673.html |archive-date=May 14, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Microsoft gets exclusive access to AI deemed 'too dangerous to release'|access-date=September 24, 2020|website=Independent|date=September 23, 2020}}</ref>

On November 10, 2020, Microsoft released the [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S]] video game consoles.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The all-new Xbox Series X {{!}} Xbox|url=https://www.xbox.com/en-US/consoles/xbox-series-x|access-date=December 2, 2020|website=Xbox.com|language=en}}</ref>

In February 2021, Microsoft released [[Azure Quantum]] for public preview.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Microsoft's quantum cloud computing plans take another big step forward |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsofts-quantum-cloud-computing-plans-take-another-big-step-forward/ |date=1 Feb 2021 |last1=Leprince-Ringuet |first1=Daphne |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=ZDNet |language=en-US}}</ref> The public cloud computing platform provides access to quantum software and quantum hardware including [[trapped ion quantum computer|trapped ion]], [[neutral atom quantum computer|neutral atom]], and [[superconducting quantum computing|superconducting]] systems.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is Azure Quantum?|url=https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/Azure-Quantum |last1=Gillis |first1=Alexander |website=Tech Target |access-date=2024-09-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft says it's cracked the code on an important quantum computing problem |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/8/24120103/microsoft-says-its-cracked-the-code-on-an-important-quantum-computing-problem |access-date=2024-09-04 |date=8 Apr 2024 |last1=David |first1=Emilia |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft adds Pasqal's neutral-atom processors to its Azure Quantum cloud computing lineup |url=https://www.geekwire.com/2022/microsoft-adds-pasqals-neutral-atom-processors-to-its-azure-quantum-cloud-computing-lineup/#:~:text=Microsoft's%20Azure%20Quantum%20cloud%20computing%20service%20will%20be |access-date=2024-09-04 |date=21 Mar 2024 |last1=Boyle |first1=Alan |website=GeekWire |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft adds Rigetti quantum computing to Azure cloud |url=https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/microsoft-adds-rigetti-quantum-computing-to-azure-cloud/ |access-date=2024-09-04 |date=7 Dec 2021 |last1=Moss |first1=Sebastian |website=Data Center Dynamics |language=en-US}}</ref>

In April 2021, Microsoft announced it would buy [[Nuance Communications]] for approximately $16 billion.<ref>{{Cite news|date=April 12, 2021|title=Microsoft to buy AI firm Nuance Communications for about $16 billion in healthcare push|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nuance-commns-m-a-microsoft-idUSKBN2BZ1FS|access-date=April 12, 2021}}</ref> The acquisition of Nuance was completed in March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 5, 2022 |title=Microsoft Completes Acquisition of Nuance |url=https://www.finsmes.com/2022/03/microsoft-completes-acquisition-of-nuance.html |access-date=March 6, 2022 |website=FinSMEs |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2021, in part due to the strong quarterly earnings spurred by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Microsoft's valuation came to nearly $2 trillion. The increased necessity for [[remote work]] and [[distance education]] drove demand for [[cloud computing]] and grew the company's gaming sales.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Tilley |first=Aaron |date=April 27, 2021|title=Microsoft Sales Show Strong Growth in Gaming, Cloud|language=en-US|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsoft-msft-3q-earnings-report-2021-11619475788|access-date=April 29, 2021|issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Tilley|first=Aaron|date=March 27, 2020|title=One Business Winner Amid Coronavirus Lockdowns: the Cloud|language=en-US|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/one-business-winner-amid-coronavirus-lockdowns-the-cloud-11585327905|access-date=April 29, 2021|issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=FY21 Q2 – Press Releases – Investor Relations – Microsoft|url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Investor/earnings/FY-2021-Q2/press-release-webcast|access-date=April 29, 2021|website=www.microsoft.com}}</ref>

On June 24, 2021, Microsoft announced [[Windows 11]] during a Livestream. The announcement came with confusion after Microsoft announced Windows 10 would be the last version of the operating system.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 24, 2021|title=Microsoft has officially announced Windows 11!|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-11-announcement|access-date=June 24, 2021|website=Windows Central}}</ref> It was released to the general public on October 5, 2021.<ref>{{cite news |title=Windows 11 available on October 5 |url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/08/31/windows-11-available-on-october-5/ |website=Windows Experience Blog |access-date=October 20, 2021 |date=August 31, 2021|last1=Blog |first1=Windows Experience }}</ref>

In September 2021, it was announced that the company had acquired Takelessons, an online platform that connects students and tutors in numerous subjects. The acquisition positioned Microsoft to grow its presence in the market of providing online education to large numbers of people.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft acquires TakeLessons, an online and in-person tutoring platform, to ramp up its edtech play |url=https://www.techcrunch.com/2021/09/10/microsoft-acquires-takelessons-an-online-and-in-person-tutoring-platform-to-ramp-up-its-edtech-play | website=TechCrunch |date=September 10, 2021 |last=Lundun |first=Ingrid |access-date=December 18, 2022}}</ref> In the same month, Microsoft acquired Australia-based video editing software company [[Clipchamp]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Microsoft acquires video creation and editing software maker Clipchamp|url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/08/microsoft-acquires-video-creation-and-editing-software-maker-clipchamp/|last=Perez|first=Sarah|website=TechCrunch|date=September 8, 2021|access-date=January 5, 2023}}</ref>

In October 2021, Microsoft announced that it began rolling out end-to-end encryption (E2EE) support for Microsoft Teams calls in order to secure business communication while using video conferencing software. Users can ensure that their calls are encrypted and can utilize a security code that both parties on a call must verify on their respective ends.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-teams-calls-are-getting-a-major-security-upgrade|title=Microsoft Teams calls are getting a major security upgrade|website=Tech Radar|date=October 22, 2021|author=Anthony Spadafora|access-date=October 22, 2021}}</ref> On October 7, Microsoft acquired Ally.io, a software service that measures companies' progress against [[OKR]]s. Microsoft plans to incorporate Ally.io into its Viva family of employee experience products.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/10/07/microsoft-acquires-ally-io-okr-startup-that-raised-76-million/|title=Microsoft acquires Ally.io, OKR startup that raised $76 million|website=Tech Crunch|date=October 7, 2021|author1=Ron Miller|author2=Alex Wilhelm|access-date=November 12, 2021}}</ref>

On January 18, 2022, Microsoft announced the acquisition of American video game developer and [[holding company]] [[Activision Blizzard]] in an all-cash deal worth $68.7 billion.<ref name="Warren2022">{{Cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=January 18, 2022|title=Microsoft to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/18/22889258/microsoft-activision-blizzard-xbox-acquisition-call-of-duty-overwatch|access-date=January 18, 2022|website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref> Activision Blizzard is best known for producing franchises, including but not limited to ''[[Warcraft]]'', ''[[Diablo (series)|Diablo]]'', ''[[Call of Duty]]'', ''[[StarCraft]]'', ''[[Candy Crush Saga]]'', ''[[Crash Bandicoot]]'', ''[[Spyro]]'', ''[[Tony Hawk's]]'', ''[[Guitar Hero]]'', and ''[[Overwatch]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anne|first=Melissa|date=January 19, 2022|title=Microsoft just bought Warcraft creator Activision-Blizzard for $69 billion – MEGPlay|url=https://megplay.com/microsoft-bought-activision-blizzard/|access-date=January 19, 2022|language=en-US|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121033718/https://megplay.com/microsoft-bought-activision-blizzard/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Activision and Microsoft each released statements saying the acquisition was to benefit their businesses in the [[metaverse]], many saw Microsoft's acquisition of video game studios as an attempt to compete against [[Meta Platforms]], with ''[[TheStreet]]'' referring to Microsoft wanting to become "the [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] of the metaverse".<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Patnaik|first1=Subrat|last2=Mukherjee|first2=Supantha|date=January 19, 2022|title=Microsoft to gobble up Activision in $69 billion metaverse bet|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-buy-activision-blizzard-deal-687-billion-2022-01-18/|access-date=January 20, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Tedder|first=Michael|title=Microsoft Purchases Activision Blizzard; Plans To Dominates The Metaverse|url=https://www.thestreet.com/investing/microsoft-wants-to-be-the-disney-of-video-games-metaverse|access-date=January 20, 2022|website=TheStreet|date=January 18, 2022 |language=en-us}}</ref> Microsoft also named [[Phil Spencer (business executive)|Phil Spencer]], head of the Xbox brand since 2014, the inaugural CEO of the newly established [[Microsoft Gaming]] division, which now houses the Xbox operations team and the three publishers in the company's portfolio (Xbox Game Studios, ZeniMax Media, Activision Blizzard). Microsoft has not released statements regarding Activision's recent legal controversies regarding employee abuse, but reports have alleged that Activision CEO [[Bobby Kotick]], a major target of the controversy, will leave the company after the acquisition is finalized.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Tilley|first2=Cara |last2=Lombardo |first3=Kirsten |last3=Grind  |first1=Aaron|date=January 18, 2022|title=WSJ News Exclusive {{!}} Microsoft to Buy Activision Blizzard in All-Cash Deal Valued at $75 Billion|language=en-US|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsoft-to-buy-activision-blizzard-games-11642512435|access-date=January 20, 2022|issn=0099-9660}}</ref> The deal was closed on October 13, 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-has-officially-completed-its-acquisition-of-activision-blizzard/| title = Microsoft has officially completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard | first = Tom | last = Ivan | date = October 13, 2023 | access-date = October 13, 2023 | work = [[Video Games Chronicle]] }}</ref>

In December 2022, Microsoft announced a new 10-year deal with the [[London Stock Exchange Group]] for products including Microsoft Azure; Microsoft acquired around 4% of LSEG as part of the deal.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Matt |last1=Clinch |first2=Arjun |last2=Kharpal |title=Microsoft buys near 4% stake in London Stock Exchange Group as part of 10-year cloud deal |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/12/microsoft-buys-near-4percent-stake-in-london-stock-exchange-and-launches-10-year-partnership.html |date=December 12, 2022 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>

In January 2023, CEO Satya Nadella announced Microsoft would lay off some 10,000 employees.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Weise |first1=Karen |title=Microsoft to Lay Off 10,000 Workers as It Looks to Trim Costs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/18/business/microsoft-layoffs.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=January 18, 2023}}</ref> The announcement came a day after hosting a [[Sting (musician)|Sting]] concert for 50 people, including Microsoft executives, in [[Davos]], Switzerland.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Chloe |date=January 20, 2023 |title=Microsoft under fire for hosting private Sting concert for its execs in Davos the night before announcing mass layoffs |url=https://fortune.com/2023/01/20/microsoft-under-fire-hosting-private-sting-concert-execs-davos-night-before-announcing-mass-layoffs/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |website=Fortune |language=en}}</ref>

On January 23, 2023, Microsoft announced a new multi-year, multi-billion dollar investment deal with [[ChatGPT]] developer [[OpenAI]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Capoot |first=Ashley |title=Microsoft announces multibillion-dollar investment in ChatGPT-maker OpenAI |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/23/microsoft-announces-multibillion-dollar-investment-in-chatgpt-maker-openai.html |access-date=January 23, 2023 |website=CNBC |date=January 23, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

In June 2023, Microsoft released Azure Quantum Elements to run molecular simulations and calculations in [[computational chemistry]] and materials science using a combination of AI, high-performance computing and [[quantum computing]].<ref name="AQE">{{Cite web |title=Microsoft Debuts Azure Quantum Elements and Azure Quantum Copilot LLM |url=https://www.hpcwire.com/2023/06/22/microsoft-debuts-azure-quantum-elements-and-azure-quantum-copilot-llm/|date=22 Jun 2023 |last1=Russell |first1=John |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=HPCwire |language=en-US}}</ref> The service includes Copilot, a GPT-4 based large language model tool to query and visualize data, write code, initiate simulations, and educate researchers.<ref name="AQE" />

At a November 2023 developer conference, Microsoft announced two new custom-designed computing chips: The Maia chip, designed to run large language models, and Cobalt CPU, designed to power general cloud services on Azure.<ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft introduces its own chips for AI, with eye on cost |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-introduces-its-own-chips-ai-with-eye-cost-2023-11-15/ |access-date=December 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Microsoft is finally making custom chips — and they're all about AI |date=November 15, 2023 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/15/23960345/microsoft-cpu-gpu-ai-chips-azure-maia-cobalt-specifications-cloud-infrastructure |publisher=The Verge |access-date=December 14, 2023}}</ref>

On November 20, 2023, Satya Nadella announced that [[Sam Altman]], who had been [[Removal of Sam Altman from OpenAI|ousted as CEO of OpenAI]] just days earlier, and [[Greg Brockman]], who had resigned as president, would join Microsoft to lead a new advanced AI research team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=	https://twitter.com/satyanadella/status/1726509045803336122 |title=	Satyan Adella on X |website=	X |access-date=	November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120082141/https://twitter.com/satyanadella/status/1726509045803336122 |archive-date=	November 20, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=	https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/20/ousted-openai-head-sam-altman-to-lead-microsofts-new-ai-team-ceo-nadella-says.html |title=	Ousted OpenAI head Sam Altman to lead Microsoft's new AI team |website=CNBC |date=	November 20, 2023 |access-date=	November 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120084752/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/20/ousted-openai-head-sam-altman-to-lead-microsofts-new-ai-team-ceo-nadella-says.html |archive-date=	November 20, 2023 }}</ref> However, the plan was short-lived, as Altman was subsequently reinstated as OpenAI's CEO and Brockman rejoined the company amid pressure from OpenAI's employees and investors on its board.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/22/business/dealbook/openai-altman-microsoft-board.html |title=The Fallout From Sam Altman's Return to OpenAI |date=November 22, 2023 |last1=Ross Sorkin |first1=Andrew |last2=Mattu |first2=Ravi |last3=Warner |first3=Bernhard |last4=Kessler |first4=Sarah |last5=de la Merced |first5=Michael |last6=Hirsch |first6=Lauren |last7=Livni |first7=Ephrat |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-date=December 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217010304/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/22/business/dealbook/openai-altman-microsoft-board.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2024, [[Inflection AI]]'s cofounders [[Mustafa Suleyman]] and Karen Simonyan announced their departure from the company in order to start Microsoft AI, with Microsoft [[acqui-hiring]] nearly the entirety of its 70-person workforce. As part of the deal, Microsoft paid Inflection $650&nbsp;million to license its technology.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Weise |first1=Karen |last2=Metz |first2=Cade |date=March 19, 2024 |title=Microsoft Hires DeepMind Co-Founder to Run Consumer A.I. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/19/technology/mustafa-suleyman-google-gemini.html |work=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429163253/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/19/technology/mustafa-suleyman-google-gemini.html |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Griffith |first1=Erin |last2=Metz |first2=Cade |date=August 8, 2024 |title=The New A.I. Deal: Buy Everything but the Company |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/08/technology/ai-start-ups-google-microsoft-amazon.html |work=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907221045/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/08/technology/ai-start-ups-google-microsoft-amazon.html |archive-date=September 7, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2024, Microsoft became the most valued publicly traded company. Meanwhile, that month, the company announced a subscription offering of artificial intelligence for small businesses via Copilot Pro.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Novet |first=Jordan |date=January 12, 2024 |title=Microsoft tops Apple as world's most valuable public company |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/12/microsoft-tops-apple-in-market-cap-at-fridays-close.html |access-date=January 14, 2024 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Novet |first=Jordan |date=January 15, 2024 |title=Microsoft brings Copilot AI assistant to small businesses and launches a premium tier for individuals |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/15/microsoft-brings-copilot-to-small-businesses-launches-copilot-pro.html |access-date=January 15, 2024 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>

In April 2024, Microsoft made a $1.5 billion investment in the Emirati AI firm [[G42 (company)|G42]]. As part of the deal, G42 said it would use the Microsoft Azure platform for its AI development and deployment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 16, 2024 |title=Microsoft to invest $1.5 bln in Emirati AI firm G42, takes minority stake |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/microsoft-invest-15-bln-emirati-ai-firm-g42-new-york-times-reports-2024-04-16/ |access-date=April 16, 2024 |website=Reuters |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Microsoft to invest $1.5bn in Abu Dhabi AI group G42 |url=https://www.ft.com/content/930a1c17-2e84-4ddb-8e72-4e4a1b833c40 |access-date=2024-04-16 |last1=Cornish |first1=Chloe |last2=Hammond |first2=George |date=April 16, 2024 |work=[[Financial Times]] |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240416041625/https://www.ft.com/content/930a1c17-2e84-4ddb-8e72-4e4a1b833c40 |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, Microsoft unveiled plans to invest $1.7 billion in developing AI and cloud infrastructure in Indonesia. The plan includes establishment of data centers and partnerships to support digital transformation efforts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 30, 2024 |title=Microsoft To Invest $1.7 Billion To Develop AI, Cloud Infrastructure In Indonesia|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/yessarrosendar/2024/04/30/microsoft-to-invest-17-billion-to-develop-ai-cloud-infrastructure-in-indonesia/?sh=6ceee60a7e5c |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>

In May 2024, Microsoft announced a $3.3 billion investment to build an artificial intelligence hub in southeast [[Wisconsin]], tripling its initial proposal. This initiative, unveiled by President [[Joe Biden]] in [[Racine County, Wisconsin|Racine County]], includes constructing a data center, creating 2,300 construction jobs by 2025, and 2,000 permanent jobs over time, alongside establishing an AI co-innovation lab at [[University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee|UW-Milwaukee]] to train up to 1,000 individuals by 2030.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schmidt |first=Mitchell |date=2024-05-09 |title=What to know about Microsoft's $3.3 billion data center in southeast Wisconsin |url=https://madison.com/news/state-regional/business/wisconsin-microsoft-artificial-intelligence-racine-biden-evers-trump-foxconn-manufacturing-data-center/article_3b0f4012-0d42-11ef-a7db-9325e7c8bc73.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240515115627/https://madison.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/wisconsin-microsoft-artificial-intelligence-racine-biden-evers-trump-foxconn-manufacturing-data-center/article_3b0f4012-0d42-11ef-a7db-9325e7c8bc73.html#selection-3893.0-4397.143 |archive-date=15 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-15 |website=Wisconsin State Journal |language=en}}</ref>

In June 2024, Microsoft announced it would be laying off 1,000 employees from the company's mixed reality and Azure cloud computing divisions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Novet |first=Jordan |date=2024-06-03 |title=Microsoft confirms layoffs in mixed reality but will keep selling HoloLens 2 headsets |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/03/microsoft-confirms-mixed-reality-layoffs-will-keep-selling-hololens-2.html |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stewart |first=Ashley |date=June 3, 2024 |title=Microsoft is laying off hundreds in its Azure cloud business, sources say |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-cuts-azure-jobs-cloud-2024-6 |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref>

In June 2024, Microsoft announced that they were building a "hyperscale data centre" in South East Leeds.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-28 |title=Microsoft to build 'hyperscale data centre' near Leeds |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy79eww4g8go |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> In July 2024, it was reported that the company was laying off its [[diversity, equity, and inclusion]] (DEI) team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stewart |first=Ashley |title=Microsoft laid off a DEI team, and its lead wrote an internal email blasting how DEI is 'no longer business critical' |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-layoffs-dei-leader-email-2024-7 |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=2024-07-16 |title=Microsoft DEI Lead Blasts Company in Internal Email After Team Is Reportedly Laid Off |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-dei-lead-blasts-company-in-internal-email-after-team-is-reportedly-laid-off |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

On July 19, 2024, a [[2024 CrowdStrike-related IT outages|global IT outage]] impacted Microsoft services, affecting businesses, airlines, and financial institutions worldwide. The outage was traced back to a flawed update of [[CrowdStrike]]'s cybersecurity software, which resulted in Microsoft systems crashing and causing disruptions across various sectors. Despite CrowdStrike's CEO [[George Kurtz]] clarifying that the issue was not a cyberattack, the incident had widespread consequences, leading to delays in air travel, financial transactions, and medical services globally. Microsoft stated that the underlying cause had been fixed but acknowledged ongoing residual impacts on some [[Microsoft 365]] apps and services.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 19, 2024 |title=Microsoft Cloud Technical Outage Updates |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/live-blog/2024-07-19/microsoft-cloud-technical-outage-updates?sref=JTShqBgB |access-date=July 19, 2024 |publisher=Bloomberg}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 19, 2024 |title=Internet Global Outage: CrowdStrike and Microsoft Downtime |url=https://apnews.com/live/internet-global-outage-crowdstrike-microsoft-downtime |access-date=July 19, 2024 |publisher=Associated Press}}</ref>

In September 2024, [[BlackRock]] and Microsoft announced a $30 billion fund, the Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership, to invest in AI infrastructure such as data centers and energy projects. The fund has the potential to reach $100 billion with debt financing, and partners include [[Abu Dhabi]]-backed MGX and [[Nvidia]], which will provide AI expertise. Investments will primarily focus on the U.S., with some in partner countries.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 18, 2024 |title=Microsoft, BlackRock to launch $30 billion fund for AI infrastructure |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/microsoft-blackrock-plan-30-bln-fund-invest-ai-infrastructure-ft-reports-2024-09-17/ |work=Reuters}}</ref> Microsoft also announced relaunch of its controversial tool, Recall, in November 2024 after addressing privacy concerns. Initially criticized for taking regular screenshots without user consent, Recall was changed to an opt-in feature instead of being default on. The UK's Information Commissioner's Office monitored the situation and noted the adjustments, which included enhanced security measures like encryption and biometric access. While experts regarded these changes as improvements, they advised caution, with some recommending further testing before users opted in.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kleinman |first=Zoe |title=Microsoft re-launches 'privacy nightmare' AI screenshot tool |date=27 September 2024 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c869glx8endo |access-date=29 September 2024}}</ref>

On February 28, 2025, Microsoft announced that Skype would be shutting down on May 5, 2025, to streamline its focus on Microsoft Teams. The company stated there would be no job cuts due to the shutdown.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bhuiyan |first=Johana |title=Microsoft is shutting down Skype after over two decades |date=28 February 2025 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/28/microsoft-skype |website=The Guardian |access-date=1 March 2025}}</ref>

On April 4, 2025, it celebrated its [[50th anniversary]].<ref name="ms_50th">{{Cite web|url=https://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-50/|title=Microsoft celebrates 50 years|website=Microsoft celebrates 50 years}}</ref>

On May 30, 2025, it was reported that Microsoft's Russian division would be preparing to file for bankruptcy, days after President [[Vladimir Putin]] stated that foreign services providers should be throttled in Russia to make way for domestic software, which included Microsoft. The company previously restructured operations in Russia back in June 2022 after being significantly impacted from the Ukraine war, but they stated those restructuring efforts have failed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-unit-russia-file-bankruptcy-database-shows-2025-05-30/|title=Microsoft unit in Russia to file for bankruptcy, database shows|date=May 30, 2025|access-date=May 30, 2025|website=Reuters|language=en}}</ref>