Microsoft’s biggest controversies that shook the tech world

Few companies have shaped modern computing as much as Microsoft. Founded by Bill Gates in 1975, the tech giant defined the PC era, revolutionised productivity tools, and built an empire around its Windows operating system.

But with great influence has come great controversy. From failed products to global scandals, Microsoft has experienced its share of setbacks.

Here’s a look at some of its most notable controversies.

Microsoft’s “blue screen of death” outage (2024)

In 2024, millions of Windows users worldwide were hit by the infamous “blue screen of death” after a flawed CrowdStrike update disrupted Microsoft systems.

The mass outage shut down businesses and public services, highlighting how reliant the world remains on Windows.

Licensing corruption scandal in Romania

Between 2004 and 2015, Microsoft was implicated in a Romanian corruption scandal involving $50 million in bribes for inflated software license fees.

Though many charges were later dropped, it marked one of the country’s largest political scandals.

Windows RT and Surface misfire (2012)

Attempting to rival Apple’s iPad, Microsoft launched Windows RT with its first Surface tablet in 2012. 

However, customers were frustrated when the system failed to run traditional Windows apps. Notably, poor marketing and confusion doomed the product.

Windows Vista backlash (2006)

Anticipation was high for Windows Vista, but its release in 2006 proved disastrous. Users complained of sluggish performance, high system requirements, and compatibility issues.

Vista’s poor reception tarnished Microsoft’s reputation until Windows 7 restored confidence.

Microsoft Bob (1995)

Launched in 1995, Microsoft Bob was meant to simplify computing for beginners with a cartoon-like interface.

Instead, it was ridiculed as condescending and impractical. Time magazine later ranked it among the “50 Worst Inventions.”

Monopolisation in the 1990s

By the mid-1990s, Microsoft’s dominance drew scrutiny from regulators. 

In the landmark US vs Microsoft Corp. case of 1998, the company was accused of crushing competition by bundling its software, nearly leading to a corporate breakup.