Microsoft

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Microsoft is a dominant American technology company founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Initially focused on developing BASIC interpreters, the company rose to prominence through its MS-DOS and Windows operating systems, which became fundamental to the personal computer revolution. Under successive CEOs Steve Ballmer and Satya Nadella, Microsoft expanded beyond operating systems into diverse technology sectors, including cloud computing, gaming, and hardware. Notable acquisitions include Skype, LinkedIn, and most recently Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion, making Microsoft the third-largest gaming company globally.

As one of the Big Five American tech companies, Microsoft maintains market dominance in PC operating systems and office software, while offering a wide range of products and services including the Azure cloud platform, Xbox gaming consoles, Surface computers, and enterprise solutions. Despite reaching a trillion-dollar market valuation in 2019, the company has faced criticism for monopolistic practices and software security issues. Microsoft's early success created significant wealth for its employees, with its 1986 IPO leading to three billionaires and an estimated 12,000 millionaires among its staff.

Controversies

Court cases up to the early 2000s

In the major antitrust case brought by the US Department of Justice, U.S. v. Microsoft Corp., 253 F.3d 34 (D.C. Cir. 2001), Microsoft argued that there was no barrier to entry in the market they were in. A central issue at that time was whether Microsoft could bundle the web browser Internet Explorer with the Microsoft Windows operating system. The District Court stated the following in the court case: "The District Court condemned a number of provisions in Microsoft's agreements licensing Windows to OEMs, because it found that Microsoft's imposition of those provisions (like many of Microsoft's other actions at issue in this case) serves to reduce usage share of Netscape's browser and, hence, protect Microsoft's operating system monopoly."

The court specifically identified three main license restrictions for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that were considered problematic:

1. the prohibition upon the removal of desktop icons, folders, and Start menu entries
2. the prohibition for modifying the initial boot sequence
3. the prohibition of otherwise altering the appearance of the Windows desktop

The case was eventually settled, and did not result in a company breakup.

Section III.H of the Consent Decree required Microsoft to "allow end users and OEMs to enable or remove access to all middleware products­, including web browsers, e-mail clients, and media players ­through a readily accessible, centralized mechanism". End users and OEMs should be able "to specify a non-Microsoft middleware product as the default middleware product to be launched in place of the corresponding Microsoft middleware product".

In the case United States v. Microsoft Corp., 87 F. Supp. 2d 30 (D.D.C. 2000), Microsoft's Conduct taken as a whole is described as "deliberate assault upon entrepreneurial efforts that, could well have enabled the introduction of competition into the market for Intel-compatible PC operating systems". Further, "Microsoft's anticompetitive actions trammeled the competitive process through which the computer software industry generally stimulates innovation and conduces to the optimum benefit of consumers".

Edge

Microsoft's web browser, Edge, comes preinstalled on Windows and cannot be removed through ordinary means, typically also being reinstalled after major updates. Edge was also shown to import user data from Chrome and Firefox without asking for user consent.

Windows

Forced Updates

Beginning with Windows 10, updates were no longer able to be selectively chosen by the end user, instead updates are automatically scheduled when your computer is inactive, or before the system is shut down. This has also led to some systems being rendered unusable due to bugged updates that cannot be avoided. Some users have resorted to disabling updates in Window's registry editor, while accomplishing its goal, it does have the caveat of not being to receive security updates, which can make those systems vulnerable to attack.

Windows 11

TPM 2.0 Chip Requirements

While being something that can be reasonably circumvented, Microsoft's decision to attempt to lock-down Windows 11 to computers with Trusted Platform Module 2.0 chips (TPMs) has forced the hands of both consumers and companies alike to dispose of hardware that would otherwise be perfectly acceptable to use. This has also included Windows 10 users to be frequently reminded by Microsoft to upgrade their hardware to Windows 11, which has caused many users frequent agitation.

Recall

During 2024, Microsoft unveiled Recall, marketed as a way to search through what you have done on your computer. This sparked controversy, especially among security experts who worried about the security of screenshots, since it could easily document private information like Social Security Numbers, bank account information, and passwords, as well as user browsing behavior. There is also a python script called "TotalRecall" that collects the screenshots and descriptions of them proving the danger of Recall. This feature was delayed after backlash.

Microsoft account dark patterns when installing Windows

An image of a Windows 10 installation, to illustrate the effort required to make an account unattached to a Microsoft account.

Numerous dark patterns have been implemented in the form of vague language and a confusing user interface which hides the option to create an account without a Microsoft account under sub-menus and small text. The dark patterns in the Windows installation menu have been in place since Windows 10 was launched in 2015 and continue into the Windows 11 installation process.

De-listing/destruction of access to games

In early September of 2016, Microsoft shut down access to purchasing Xbox 360 Indie Games , and in late July of 2024, Microsoft shut down their storefront for Xbox 360 games. These shutdowns have caused hundreds of games to become impossible to obtain new copies of and for some, additionally play.