In this article, I will discuss the biggest Microsoft (MSFT) stockholders in 2026. These key investors, ranging from major institutional firms like Vanguard and BlackRock to prominent individuals such as Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer, play a significant role in shaping the company’s financial strength, stability, and future growth, making them essential players in Microsoft’s journey.
Who Owns Microsoft?
Microsoft’s largest stockholders include Vanguard, BlackRock, and State Street, as well as several other financial firms. Numerous mutual benefit funds control large blocks of stock, with the highest concentration of shares being held by Vanguard’s ETF.
Microsoft stock is also held by many of its employees and ex-employees which include Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer. Microsoft has also issued 7.433 billion shares.
At a share price of $441.85, Microsoft’s market capitalization is $3.29 trillion. These major investors and stakeholders actively participate in the multi trillion dollar corporation’s extensive realm of finance.
Key Points & Biggest MSFT Stockholders In 2025 List
| Investor | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Vanguard Group | Largest institutional investor in MSFT, holding significant shares through ETFs and mutual funds. |
| BlackRock | Major player in MSFT holdings, with substantial investments across various funds. |
| Bill Gates | Co-founder of Microsoft, retains a significant portion of stock, though he has been gradually selling over time. |
| Steve Ballmer | Former CEO of Microsoft, holds a large share and remains one of the largest individual shareholders. |
| T. Rowe Price | Significant institutional investor, with major stakes in MSFT through various funds. |
| Morgan Stanley | One of the key financial firms with large MSFT stockholdings, often involved in investment management. |
| Invesco Ltd. | Holds a large share of Microsoft through various investment funds and strategies. |
| Norges Bank Investment Management | The sovereign wealth fund of Norway, one of the largest global investors, with substantial MSFT shares. |
| Capital Group | Investment management firm holding a large stake in Microsoft, including through mutual funds. |
9 Biggest MSFT Stockholders In 2025
1.Vanguard Group
Vanguard Group now stands as one of the largest institutional shareholders in Microsoft, controlling approximately 7.3% of their shares. BlackRock and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates are also key claimants, with BlackRock owning about 7.0% of the shares and Gates approximately 1.0%.
Gates’ stake in the company is significantly lower than his former holdings. These top stockholders combine to own the most Microsoft stock and along with Vanguard and BalckRock, are the key institutional investors.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Investor Name | Vanguard Group |
| Type | Institutional Investor |
| Ownership Stake | Largest MSFT shareholder among institutional investors |
| Investment Method | Primarily through ETFs and mutual funds |
| Key Funds Holding MSFT | Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund, Vanguard 500 Index Fund |
| Influence on MSFT | Significant, due to large shareholding and voting power |
| Investment Strategy | Passive and long-term, focused on index tracking |
| Role in Microsoft’s Growth | Provides financial stability and long-term capital |
| Headquarters | Malvern, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Notable Fact | One of the largest asset managers globally, with trillions in AUM |
2.BlackRock
Microsoft’s institutional investors are two of the biggest in the world, BlackRock and The Vanguard Group which own 7.0% and 7.3% of the company respectively. Other primary investors include Bill Gates
One of Microsoft’s founders who owns approximately 1% of the company. These top stockholders of Microsoft includ BlackRock, who with Vanguard own a big fraction of Microsoft’s stock.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Investor Name | BlackRock |
| Type | Institutional Investor |
| Ownership Stake | One of the largest MSFT shareholders among financial institutions |
| Investment Method | Primarily through ETFs, mutual funds, and index funds |
| Key Funds Holding MSFT | iShares Core S&P 500 ETF, BlackRock Global Allocation Fund |
| Influence on MSFT | Significant, due to substantial shareholding and voting power |
| Investment Strategy | Active and passive strategies, focusing on long-term growth |
| Role in Microsoft’s Growth | Plays a key role in Microsoft’s financial ecosystem and stability |
| Headquarters | New York City, New York, USA |
| Notable Fact | One of the largest asset management firms globally, with trillions in AUM |
3.Bill Gates
Bill Gates possesses roughly 1.0% of Microsoft (MSFT) shares, which is less than the other stakeholders, particularly institutional investors. The Vanguard Group owns around 7.3%, which makes it one of the largest shareholders, together with BlackRock, which has approximately 7.0% of the company.
Although Gates’ net worth dropped over the years, he continues to be one of Microsoft’s foundational figures, while Vanguard and Blackrock are the primary institutional shareholders.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Investor Name | Bill Gates |
| Type | Individual Investor |
| Ownership Stake | One of the largest individual shareholders of MSFT |
| Investment Method | Initially acquired shares as co-founder, now holds a reduced portion |
| Key Holdings | Personal stake in MSFT, via Cascade Investment (his private investment firm) |
| Influence on MSFT | Historical influence as co-founder, ongoing through investment and philanthropy |
| Investment Strategy | Long-term growth, with gradual share sales and donations |
| Role in Microsoft’s Growth | Co-founder, key figure in MSFT’s early success, still a notable investor |
| Headquarters | Medina, Washington, USA |
| Notable Fact | Has sold or donated much of his MSFT shares but remains a significant shareholder |
4.Steve Ballmer
Steve Ballmer commands about 4.5% of Microsoft (MSFT), which makes him one of the largest individual shareholders. Other notable users include Bill Gates, who holds about 1.0%, and institutional investors
The Vanguard Group and BlackRock, who hold on to approximately 7.3% and 7.0% respectively. Ballmer’s stake is justified by his position as ex CEO of the company, and Vanguard and BlackRock are important institutional shareholders of the firm.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Investor Name | Steve Ballmer |
| Type | Individual Investor |
| Ownership Stake | One of the largest individual shareholders of MSFT |
| Investment Method | Acquired shares during his tenure as CEO, continues to hold significant stock |
| Key Holdings | Personal stake in MSFT, with shares held via Ballmer Group (his family office) |
| Influence on MSFT | Former CEO, still a major shareholder with influence on corporate matters |
| Investment Strategy | Long-term investor, with no current plans to sell a significant portion of shares |
| Role in Microsoft’s Growth | Served as CEO from 2000-2014, helping guide MSFT through key growth phases |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Notable Fact | Currently the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team, continues to hold large MSFT stake |
5.T. Rowe Price
T. Rowe Price, a major institutional shareholder, owns approximately 4.0% of Microsoft (MSFT) stock, alongside other big stakeholders like The Vanguard Group which has 7.3% or Steve Ballmer who has about 4.5%.
BlackRock also holds 7.0%, and Bill Gates has an additional 1.0%. Collectively, these leading investors control a significant stake in Microsoft, while Vanguard, BlackRock and T. Rowe Price serve as institutional investors.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Investor Name | T. Rowe Price |
| Type | Institutional Investor |
| Ownership Stake | Significant stake in MSFT, held through various mutual funds and ETFs |
| Investment Method | Primarily through actively managed funds |
| Key Funds Holding MSFT | T. Rowe Price Equity Income Fund, T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth Fund |
| Influence on MSFT | Significant, as a key institutional investor with voting power |
| Investment Strategy | Long-term, focused on growth and value investing |
| Role in Microsoft’s Growth | Plays an important role in providing capital and stability for MSFT’s continued growth |
| Headquarters | Baltimore, Maryland, USA |
| Notable Fact | One of the largest asset management firms, known for its active management style |
6.Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley holds a significant 2.4% of Microsoft’s (MSFT) shares, making it one of the prominent institutional investors. Other major stakeholders are The Vanguard Group which controls about 7.3%,
BlackRock with approximately 7.0%, and Steve Ballmer around 4.5%. Bill Gates holds approximately 1.0% of the company. With the Vanguard group and Blackrock as principal institutional investors, these top shareholders, including Morgan Stanley, control a large slice of Microsoft’s stock.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Investor Name | Morgan Stanley |
| Type | Institutional Investor |
| Ownership Stake | Significant stake in MSFT, held through asset management and investment funds |
| Investment Method | Primarily through mutual funds, ETFs, and managed portfolios |
| Key Funds Holding MSFT | Morgan Stanley Institutional Fund, Morgan Stanley Growth Fund |
| Influence on MSFT | Substantial, due to large shareholding and financial involvement |
| Investment Strategy | Active management with a focus on long-term growth and market opportunities |
| Role in Microsoft’s Growth | Provides financial capital and strategic input through investments |
| Headquarters | New York City, New York, USA |
| Notable Fact | One of the top investment banks and asset managers globally, with significant MSFT exposure |
7.Invesco Ltd.
Invesco Ltd. possesses an approximate 2.7% stake in Microsoft (MSFT), which makes the firm one of the key institutional investors. Others like The Vanguard Group holding approximately 7.3%, BlackRock with approximately 7.0%, and Steve Ballmer with an estimated 4.5% also own substantial blocks.
Bill Gates keeps around 1.0% Microsoft shares. These top shareholders, including Invesco, have a considerable ownership in Microsoft’s stocks, while Vanguard and BlackRock remain the foremost institutional investors.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Investor Name | Invesco Ltd. |
| Type | Institutional Investor |
| Ownership Stake | Significant stake in MSFT, held through various investment funds and ETFs |
| Investment Method | Primarily through mutual funds, ETFs, and other investment products |
| Key Funds Holding MSFT | Invesco QQQ Trust, Invesco Global Equity Fund |
| Influence on MSFT | Notable, due to large shareholding and substantial voting power |
| Investment Strategy | Active and passive management, with a focus on long-term growth |
| Role in Microsoft’s Growth | Provides financial stability and capital for continued growth |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Notable Fact | Known for a strong global presence in asset management, with large tech holdings like MSFT |
8.Norges Bank Investment Management
Norges Bank Investment Management is considered an important institutional investor as it possesses almost 1.3% of Microsoft (MSFT) shares. Other important shareholders are The Vanguard Group which has about 7.3% of the shares, Steve Ballmer with approximately 4.5%, as well as BlackRock with around 7.0%.
Bill Gates still controls Microsoft and owns approximately 1.0% of the shares. Together, these important shareholders like Norges Bank comprise a great deal of Microsoft stocks, and Vanguard and Blackrock are the largest institutional shareholders.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Investor Name | Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM) |
| Type | Institutional Investor |
| Ownership Stake | Significant stake in MSFT, held through the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund |
| Investment Method | Primarily through passive investment strategies in global equity funds |
| Key Funds Holding MSFT | Norges Bank Investment Management Global Equity Fund |
| Influence on MSFT | Major influence, given the size of the sovereign wealth fund and voting power |
| Investment Strategy | Long-term, passive investing approach focused on global diversification |
| Role in Microsoft’s Growth | Provides stability and long-term capital for MSFT’s continued success |
| Headquarters | Oslo, Norway |
| Notable Fact | One of the largest sovereign wealth funds globally, with substantial investments in tech stocks like MSFT |
9.Capital International Investors
Capital International Investors is an institutional shareholder with a stake of nearly 2.1% in Microsoft (MSFT). Other important stakeholders include The Vanguard Group which has about 7.3% of the share while BlackRock and Steve Ballmer own 7.0% and approximately 4.5%, respectively.
Bill Gates is the owner of roughly 1.0%. Like Capital International, each of these Microsoft stockholders have substantial claims on Microsoft’s equity and Capital International along with other shareholders has vested interests in the corporation, while Vanguard and Blackrock stand out as institutional investors of the company.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Investor Name | Capital International Investors (CII) |
| Type | Institutional Investor |
| Ownership Stake | Significant stake in MSFT, held through various mutual funds and investment portfolios |
| Investment Method | Primarily through actively managed mutual funds and equity strategies |
| Key Funds Holding MSFT | Capital Group’s New Perspective Fund, Capital World Growth and Income Fund |
| Influence on MSFT | Substantial influence due to large holdings and voting rights |
| Investment Strategy | Active, long-term growth investing with a global focus |
| Role in Microsoft’s Growth | Provides financial stability and strategic capital for MSFT’s ongoing development |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Notable Fact | Part of Capital Group, one of the largest and most established investment management firms worldwide |
Conclusion
As of 2025, major institutional investors such as Vanguard, BlackRock, State Street and individual shareholders like Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer are some of the largest investors in Microsoft.
These, as well as other firms like T Rowe Price and Morgan Stanley significantly impact the financial strength, stability and future growth of Microsoft.
