Bill Gates Biography (2025): Age, Height, Family, Net Worth, Career & Microsoft Legacy

bill gates is an iconic American business magnate, software developer, philanthropist, and co-founder of Microsoft Corporation. Renowned for revolutionizing the personal computing industry, Gates has consistently ranked among the world’s wealthiest individuals and is celebrated for his extensive charitable work through the Bill & melinda gates Foundation.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

William Henry Gates III was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington. Raised in an upper-middle-class family, his father was a prominent attorney and his mother served on several corporate boards. Gates showed an early interest in computers and mathematics, excelling academically at the Lakeside School, where he first programmed computers at age 13. He later enrolled at Harvard University in 1973 but left in 1975 to pursue his vision of a software company with childhood friend Paul Allen.

Career Journey

Beginnings: Microsoft’s Founding

In 1975, Gates and Paul Allen co-founded Microsoft in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Their first major success was developing software for the Altair 8800 microcomputer. Gates’ vision was to put “a computer on every desk and in every home.”

Milestones & Growth

• Launched MS-DOS in 1981, becoming the dominant operating system for IBM PCs.
• Developed Windows in 1985, revolutionizing the graphical user interface for personal computers.
• Took Microsoft public in 1986, making Gates a billionaire at age 31.
• Oversaw the development of Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, and Windows 95, cementing Microsoft’s status as a tech giant.

Recent Activity & Philanthropy

• Stepped down as Microsoft CEO in 2000, remaining as chairman and chief software architect until 2006.
• Transitioned to full-time philanthropy in 2008 through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on global health, education, and poverty alleviation.
• Continues to serve as co-chair of the foundation and remains an influential voice in technology and global development.

Current Position & Achievements

• Co-chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• Influential investor and advisor in technology, clean energy, and public health initiatives
• Consistently ranked among the world’s wealthiest and most influential people

Personal Life

Bill Gates married Melinda French in 1994. The couple has three children: Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe. After 27 years of marriage, they announced their divorce in 2021 but continue to co-chair their foundation. Gates is known for his passion for reading, playing bridge, and tennis. He is also involved in various community and global initiatives, focusing on education, health, and climate change.

Awards & Achievements

• Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016)
• Time Magazine’s Person of the Year (2005, with Melinda Gates and Bono)
• Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE)
• Multiple honorary doctorates from universities worldwide
• Numerous philanthropic and innovation awards

Physical Statistics

• Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
• Weight: Approximately 70 kg (154 lbs)
• Eye Color: Blue
• Hair Color: Light Brown / Gray
• Sexuality: Straight

Quotes

• “Don’t compare yourself with anyone in this world. If you do so, you are insulting yourself.”
• “It’s fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.”
• “We always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten.”

Controversies

Bill Gates and Microsoft have faced scrutiny over antitrust issues, most notably the U.S. v. Microsoft case in the late 1990s, which resulted in significant changes to the company’s business practices. In recent years, Gates has also been the subject of public debate regarding his philanthropic focus and personal relationships, especially following his divorce. Despite controversies, Gates remains a respected leader in technology and philanthropy.

Favorites

• Book: “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
• Game: Bridge
• Food: Burgers
• Vacation Spot: Australia
• Tech Gadget: Tablet devices

Salary & Net Worth

As of 2025, Bill Gates’ estimated net worth is around $120 billion, according to Forbes and Bloomberg Billionaires Index. While he no longer draws a salary from Microsoft, his wealth comes from investments, dividends, and asset appreciation. Gates has pledged a significant portion of his fortune to charity through the Giving Pledge.

Interesting Facts

• Gates wrote his first software program at age 13—a tic-tac-toe game.
• He reads about 50 books a year and shares recommendations online.
• Gates is an avid bridge player, often partnering with Warren Buffett.
• He has donated over $50 billion to charitable causes to date.
• Gates briefly became the world’s youngest self-made billionaire at age 31.

Social Media Links

• Twitter/X: @BillGates
• Instagram: @thisisbillgates
• Facebook: facebook.com/BillGates
• LinkedIn: Bill Gates
• YouTube: Bill Gates Channel

Frequently Asked Questions

• How old is Bill Gates in 2025?
  Bill Gates is 69 years old as of October 2025.
• What is Bill Gates’ net worth?
  His net worth is estimated at approximately $120 billion in 2025.
• Who was Bill Gates married to?
  He was married to Melinda French Gates from 1994 to 2021.
• What is Bill Gates famous for?
  He is famous for co-founding Microsoft and his philanthropic work.
• Does Bill Gates have children?
  Yes, he has three children: Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe Gates.
• What are Bill Gates’ hobbies?
  He enjoys reading, playing bridge, tennis, and traveling.

Conclusion

Bill Gates’ remarkable journey from a curious Seattle teenager to a global technology visionary and philanthropist continues to inspire millions. His legacy at Microsoft and ongoing humanitarian efforts have shaped the modern world. If you found this biography insightful, please share it with others interested in technology, leadership, and innovation.

Sources: Forbes, Bloomberg, BBC, The Guardian, Harvard Gazette, Gates Foundation, Microsoft.com, Biography.com