– Microsoft launches two separate versions of Windows: 2000 and Me, short for Millennium Edition.
- Bill Gates passes his title of Microsoft CEO to Steve Ballmer; Gates officially becomes known as Chief Software Architect.
- The judge in the anti-trust trial orders Microsoft to become two companies: one for Windows and one for all software. Bill Gates appeals the ruling.
- Bill Gates and Melinda gates launch the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, incorporating several other foundations, with an initial contribution of US$28 billion from personal funds.
- Global annual revenues from Microsoft hit US$229 billion; the number of employees is almost 40,000.