Who is Bill Gates?
Bill Gates is an American business magnate, software developer, philanthropist, and author, best known as the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, the world’s largest personal-computer software company. Born on October 28, 1955, Gates played a pivotal role in the technological revolution of the late 20th century, contributing to the widespread adoption of personal computers. After stepping down from his day-to-day role at Microsoft, Gates focused on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is one of the world’s largest private charitable foundations. His efforts have spanned global health, education, and poverty reduction.
Early Life and Education
William Henry Gates III, known globally as Bill Gates, was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington. He was the second of three children born to William H. Gates Sr., a prominent lawyer, and Mary Maxwell Gates, a schoolteacher and later a member of several corporate boards, including that of the First Interstate BancSystem and the United Way. The Gates family encouraged competition and intellectual curiosity, fostering an environment where young Bill could thrive academically and develop a keen interest in technology.
Gates attended the private Lakeside School, where his interest in computers first blossomed. At the age of 13, he wrote his first software program on a General Electric computer provided by the school’s Mothers’ Club fundraiser. This early exposure to programming led Gates and his close friend Paul Allen to experiment with various software projects. They even hacked into the school’s computer system to obtain free computer time, for which they were later caught and banned temporarily—a punishment that only deepened their fascination with computers.
In 1973, Gates enrolled at Harvard University, initially intending to pursue a pre-law major. However, his passion for computers soon overshadowed his academic obligations. He spent more time in the computer lab than in classes, collaborating with Allen on software development. In 1975, Gates left Harvard without completing his degree to co-found Microsoft with Allen, a decision that would forever change the landscape of personal computing.
Personal Life
Bill Gates married Melinda French on January 1, 1994, in a private ceremony held in Lanai, Hawaii. The couple met while Melinda was working as a product manager at Microsoft, and their relationship blossomed over shared professional interests and values. Together, they had three children: Jennifer Katharine Gates, Rory John Gates, and Phoebe Adele Gates.
Despite his immense wealth, Gates was known for leading a relatively modest lifestyle. The Gates family lived in an earth-sheltered mansion in Medina, Washington, known for its eco-friendly design and technological innovations. Gates often emphasized the importance of balancing work and family life, and he was actively involved in his children’s upbringing, ensuring they were grounded despite their privileged background.
In May 2021, Bill and Melinda Gates announced their decision to divorce after 27 years of marriage, stating they would continue to work together on philanthropic efforts through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The divorce was finalized in August 2021, but both remained committed to their joint mission of improving global health and education.
Family
Bill Gates comes from a family with a strong emphasis on education and public service. His father, William H. Gates Sr., was a respected attorney and philanthropist, while his mother, Mary Maxwell Gates, was a prominent businesswoman and civic leader. Gates credits his parents for instilling in him a sense of responsibility and a drive for excellence.
His older sister, Kristi Gates, pursued a career in business, while his younger sister, Libby Gates, followed in their mother’s footsteps, engaging in philanthropic work. Gates’ family played a crucial role in his early development, providing both the support and the resources needed to explore his interests.
Gates’ children have largely stayed out of the public eye, though his eldest daughter, Jennifer, is known for her equestrian pursuits and academic achievements. Gates has often spoken about his desire to leave the majority of his wealth to charitable causes, rather than his children, to encourage them to forge their own paths.
Career
Bill Gates’ career is most famously defined by his role in co-founding Microsoft Corporation, which became the world’s largest personal-computer software company. In 1975, Gates and Paul Allen launched Microsoft with the vision of putting a computer on every desk and in every home. Their first major success came when they secured a contract with IBM to provide an operating system, which became known as MS-DOS. This deal catapulted Microsoft to the forefront of the tech industry.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Microsoft expanded rapidly, introducing Windows, a graphical extension for MS-DOS, which revolutionized the user interface and made computers more accessible to the general public. Gates’ leadership style, characterized by intense focus and a competitive spirit, drove Microsoft to dominate the software market. By the mid-1990s, Gates had become one of the richest individuals in the world.
In 2000, Gates stepped down as CEO of Microsoft, transitioning to a role as Chief Software Architect to focus more on the company’s product development. He gradually shifted his attention to philanthropy, and in 2008, he officially left his day-to-day role at Microsoft to dedicate himself full-time to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which he and Melinda had established in 2000.
The foundation focuses on global health, education, and poverty alleviation, and has become one of the largest and most influential philanthropic organizations in the world. Gates has donated billions of dollars to initiatives such as eradicating polio, combating malaria, and improving education systems worldwide.
In addition to his philanthropic work, Gates has authored several books, including The Road Ahead (1995) and How to Avoid a Climate Disaster (2021), sharing his vision for the future of technology and sustainable development. He remains a prominent voice in discussions on global health, technology, and climate change.
Detailed Bio Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Henry Gates III |
| Date of Birth | October 28, 1955 |
| Place of Birth | Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Harvard University (dropped out) |
| Occupation | Business magnate, philanthropist, author |
| Known For | Co-founding Microsoft Corporation |
| Parents | William H. Gates Sr. (father), Mary Maxwell Gates (mother) |
| Spouse | Melinda French Gates (m. 1994; div. 2021) |
| Children | 3 |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $120 billion |
| Notable Works | Windows OS, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation |
Social Media Accounts Table with Official Links
| Platform | Account |
| @BillGates | |
| Bill Gates | |
| @thisisbillgates | |
| Bill Gates |
Latest News About Bill Gates
As of early 2025, Bill Gates is making headlines with his latest philanthropic initiative focusing on climate change innovation. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recently announced a $2 billion commitment to support clean energy startups and research aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This marks one of the largest single investments in climate technology by a private foundation, highlighting Gates’ continued dedication to addressing global challenges through innovation and collaboration.
Height and Physical Appearance
Bill Gates stands at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. He has a lean build, with light skin, light brown hair that has grayed over the years, and wears glasses. Known for his casual yet professional style, Gates often opts for sweaters, collared shirts, and slacks during public appearances, reflecting a practical and approachable demeanor.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Bill Gates has an estimated net worth of $120 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals globally. Despite stepping back from his active role at Microsoft, a significant portion of his wealth comes from his shares in the company, as well as diverse investments managed through his private firm, Cascade Investment. Gates’ net worth has fluctuated over the years, particularly due to his substantial philanthropic contributions, which exceed $50 billion to date. Nevertheless, his strategic investments and ongoing business ventures continue to sustain his position among the world’s financial elite.
People also askPeople also ask
Is Bill Gates still CEO of Microsoft?
No, Bill Gates is no longer the CEO of Microsoft. He stepped down as CEO in 2000 and later left his role as chairman in 2014. He now focuses on philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
What is Bill Gates famous for?
Bill Gates is famous for co-founding Microsoft, the world’s largest personal-computer software company, and for his philanthropic work through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
What is Bill Gates’ religion?
Bill Gates was raised in a Christian household but has described himself as agnostic, expressing a belief in the value of religion without adhering to specific doctrines.
What age did Bill Gates become a billionaire?
Bill Gates became a billionaire at the age of 31 in 1987, becoming the youngest self-made billionaire at the time.