Founding of Microsoft
Bill Gates and Paul Allen co-founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico, marking the beginning of a new era in personal computing.
1975
1980
Partnership with IBM
Microsoft, under Bill Gates' leadership, struck a deal with IBM to provide an operating system for their first personal computer, leading to the creation of MS-DOS.
1985
Launch of Windows 1.0
Bill Gates oversaw the release of Microsoft Windows, a graphical extension for MS-DOS, which became a cornerstone for the company's future success.
1986
Microsoft Goes Public
Under Bill Gates' guidance, Microsoft went public, and Gates became a billionaire at the age of 31.
1990
Release of Windows 3.0
Bill Gates led the launch of Windows 3.0, which became a major success and solidified Microsoft's dominance in the operating system market.
1995
Launch of Windows 95
Bill Gates introduced Windows 95, which featured a new user interface and significant improvements, revolutionizing personal computing.
1998
Antitrust Lawsuit
The U.S. Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft, with Bill Gates defending the company against accusations of monopolistic practices.
2000
Transition to Chief Software Architect
Bill Gates stepped down as CEO of Microsoft, naming Steve Ballmer as his successor, and took on the role of Chief Software Architect.
2000
Formation of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Bill Gates and his wife Melinda established the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on global health, education, and poverty alleviation.
2006
Transition to Full-Time Philanthropy
Bill Gates announced that he would transition out of his day-to-day role at Microsoft to focus on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation full-time.
2008
Full Departure from Microsoft
Bill Gates officially stepped down from his day-to-day role at Microsoft, dedicating his efforts to philanthropy and the Gates Foundation.
2010
Launch of The Giving Pledge
Bill Gates, along with Warren Buffett, launched The Giving Pledge, encouraging billionaires to commit the majority of their wealth to philanthropy.
2015
Focus on Global Health Initiatives
Bill Gates continued to expand the Gates Foundation's efforts in global health, aiming to eradicate diseases such as polio and malaria.
2020
COVID-19 Response
Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation played a significant role in funding and supporting the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021
Divorce Announcement
Bill Gates and Melinda Gates announced their divorce after 27 years of marriage, but committed to continuing their philanthropic work together.
2024
Continued Philanthropic Efforts
Bill Gates remains a leading figure in global philanthropy, focusing on initiatives to address climate change, global health, and education.
