Happy birthday, Microsoft! The company officially turns 49 today!

On April 4, 1975, Bill Gates and the late Paul Allen founded the company that would eventually be called Micro-Soft (later changed to Microsoft) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Today marks the 49th anniversary of the company, which has now become one of the largest corporations in the world.

Similar to its 48th birthday in 2023, the company is not making a big deal out of today. However, its official X (formerly Twitter) account does have a message acknowledging the occasion:

Microsoft was founded on April 4, 1975. Who wants a piece of cake? 🎉 pic.twitter.com/nLWuEXPFOg

— Microsoft (@Microsoft) April 4, 2024

Additional fascinating facts about the establishment of Microsoft are provided below.

What was the reason for founding Microsoft?

Both Gates and Allen discovered the world’s first microcomputer, the Altair 8800, in late 1974 through an article in Popular Electronics magazine. This groundbreaking device was created by a company called Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS) located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Gates and Allen were inspired to develop a version of BASIC that would be compatible with the Altair 8800 and in 1975, they relocated to Albuquerque to establish their own company, which would eventually become known as Micro-Soft.

In what location was the company established?

Gates and Allen founded Microsoft in a room at the Sundowner Hotel, located on the iconic Route 66. While the hotel has since been transformed into affordable apartments in 2014, it still stands to this day.

In 1975, Gates and Allen relocated their business to a suitable office building in Albuquerque. A plaque was installed in 2006 to honor this location, although it has been removed from its stone base at least once.

What is the origin of the name?

Allen came up with the name Micro_Soft, believing it to be a clever combination of “microcomputer”and “software”.

When was the company officially named Microsoft?

Gates and Allen decided to register the name Micro-Soft with the Secretary of State in New Mexico on November 26, 1976, more than a year after the company was initially established. It was not until 1979 that Gates first referred to the company as Microsoft, without the hyphen.

Who were Microsoft’s first employees after Gates and Allen?

According to TheOrg, Marc McDonald holds the distinction of being Microsoft’s inaugural paid employee. He was hired as a system software engineer in 1976. At least two additional individuals, Ric Weiland and , were also brought on board in 1977 as computer programmers.

Congratulations on reaching your 49th birthday, Microsoft! Your journey so far has been truly remarkable. We can’t wait to see what you have in store for your 50th birthday celebration next year.