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Birth
Born on October 28 in Seattle, Washington, to William H. Gates Sr., a prominent lawyer, and Mary Maxwell Gates, a businesswoman and civic leader -
Attends Lakeside school
Attends Lakeside School in Seattle, where he discovers his passion for computing. Gates writes his first software program at age 13. -
Enrolls Harvard
Enrolls at Harvard University, where he meets Steve Ballmer, but spends much of his time working on computer projects. -
Drops out of Harvard
Drops out of Harvard and co-founds Microsoft with childhood friend Paul Allen. They develop a version of BASIC for the Altair 8800, marking the start of Microsoft's rise. -
Micrsoft secures deal
Microsoft secures a deal to provide an operating system (MS-DOS) for IBM's first personal computer. This becomes a major turning point for the company. -
Microsoft launches windows
Microsoft launches Windows 1.0, the first graphical operating system, setting the stage for its dominance in the PC industry. -
Microsoft goes public
Microsoft goes public, making Bill Gates the youngest self-made billionaire at age 31 -
Windows realease
Releases Windows 95, which becomes a massive success and cements Microsoft's position as a tech giant. Gates is also named the richest person in the world for the first time. -
Steps down as ceo
transitioning to the role of Chief Software Architect. Alongside his wife Melinda, he also founds the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on global health, education, and poverty reduction. -
Does philanthropic work
Gates Foundation, which becomes one of the largest charitable organizations in the world. Gates steps back from Microsoft’s board to focus more on philanthropy.