1. Positive customers’ awareness in the direction of new technology around the globe
2. Microsoft is growing into the video game market by offering products such as the Xbox.
3. Mobile phone markets are growing in developing countries which provide the opportunity of introducing new mobile software.
4. Video game market revenue is expected to reach at $66 billion in 2012 as compared to $12 billion in 2008.
5. Improving economic condition after the financial crises 2007-10 is also expanding the opportunities for company.
6. Since internet users are increasing rapidly therefore a new market could be explored by offering new and innovative products to them.

Threats

1. Microsoft has abundant court fights with other companies concerning software developer lawsuits and antitrust.
2. Linux and Apple have snatched Microsoft’s more than 80 percent market share of the desktop operating market.
3. The company is facing strong competition from the main rivals such as Oracle, IBM, etc.
4. The bargaining power of buyers is high for the reason that many alternative products are available to them.
5. The company is facing the problem of huge taxes from various countries due to which it has to increase the prices.
6. Increasing cyber crime is also causing problems for the company.
7. Life cycle of Technology is become shorter day by day. 
8. Currency exchange rates influence demand for application/operation and software.