.microsoft domain extension

.microsoft is a branded generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated exclusively by Microsoft Corporation. It was delegated to Microsoft in June 2015, with the company serving as both sponsor and registry. The domain is reserved for Microsoft's own use, with no public registration available. This lets Microsoft control its digital brand and create secure, memorable web addresses for its products and services. Nominet UK handles the technical backend through a registry services agreement. The TLD was part of ICANN's new gTLD program, which opened up hundreds of new domain names beyond the original .com, .org, and .net. Microsoft applied for .microsoft as a defensive brand measure as well as for potential marketing uses.