If You Invested $1,000 In Microsoft When Windows 2.0 Was Launched, Here’s How Much You’d Have Today – Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Windows 2.0: A Look Back at Microsoft’s Milestone Operating System

Microsoft Corp.’s MSFT Windows operating system has been a dominant force in the tech industry for decades, powering billions of devices worldwide. Today, with a market capitalization of $2.76 trillion, Microsoft is the second-largest company in the world. On December 9, 1987, Microsoft released Windows 2.0, a major milestone in the evolution of their operating system.

Windows 2.0 introduced several groundbreaking features that would shape the future of computing. It was the first version to allow users to resize and overlap windows, a functionality that is now considered essential in modern operating systems. The introduction of desktop icons and keyboard shortcuts also made navigating the system more intuitive and efficient. Additionally, Windows 2.0 brought 16-color graphics to the forefront, a remarkable advancement at the time.

However, the release of Windows 2.0 was not without controversy. Apple Inc. AAPL sued Microsoft for the overlapping windows feature, alleging copyright infringement. The legal battle between the two tech giants lasted for years, but in the end, Microsoft emerged victorious.

Windows 2.0 also holds the distinction of being the last version of Windows that ran solely on floppy disks. As technology progressed, subsequent versions of Windows embraced CD-ROMs and eventually moved to digital downloads.

Looking back at the stock performance of Microsoft since the launch of Windows 2.0, it is evident that the company has experienced remarkable growth. Adjusted for various corporate actions, such as stock splits and bonus shares, Microsoft’s stock price was $0.321 on December 9, 1987. Today, the stock is valued at $370.95, an increase of nearly 1,155 times over 36 years.

Investors who had the foresight to invest $1,000 in Microsoft stock on that day would have seen their investment grow to an impressive $1,154,956. In comparison, a similar investment in the Nasdaq index would be worth $47,483, and the S&P 500 would be worth $19,195.

While Windows 2.0 marked a significant milestone in Microsoft’s history, the company’s journey did not end there. Under the leadership of Satya Nadella, Microsoft has made strategic moves to stay relevant in the ever-changing tech landscape.

One of Microsoft’s notable investments is its $13 billion stake in OpenAI, positioning the company at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) development. As the future becomes increasingly reliant on AI, this investment could prove to be a game-changer for Microsoft.

Additionally, Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion demonstrates its commitment to the gaming industry. This move grants Microsoft access to top talent and strengthens its position in the highly competitive video game market, particularly against Sony’s PlayStation.

The success of Windows 2.0 paved the way for Microsoft’s continued innovation and growth. As technology continues to evolve, Microsoft remains a key player, leveraging AI, gaming, and other emerging technologies to shape the future of the tech industry.

In conclusion, Windows 2.0 holds a special place in Microsoft’s history as a groundbreaking operating system that introduced key features still present in modern computing. Its release marked the beginning of Microsoft’s journey towards becoming a global tech giant. With its continued focus on innovation and strategic investments, Microsoft is poised to shape the future of technology for years to come.