Bill Gates's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Bill Gates. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Bill Gates is an American businessman and philanthropist who co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975. He is recognized as a key figure in the microcomputer revolution and became a billionaire in 1987 after Microsoft's IPO. Gates was consistently ranked as the world's wealthiest person by Forbes for many years, reaching the position of the first centibillionaire in 1999. As of May 2025, his net worth is estimated at $115.1 billion, ranking him among the richest individuals globally.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

November 26, 1976: Microsoft Trade Name Registration

On November 26, 1976, the trade name "Microsoft" was officially registered with the Secretary of the State of New Mexico.

January 1, 1979: Microsoft Moves to Bellevue

On January 1, 1979, Microsoft relocated from Albuquerque to Bellevue, Washington.

July 1980: IBM Approaches Microsoft

In July 1980, IBM approached Microsoft regarding software for its upcoming personal computer, the IBM PC, leading to the development of PC DOS.

June 25, 1981: Microsoft Re-incorporation

On June 25, 1981, Microsoft underwent a company restructuring, re-incorporating in Washington state with Bill Gates as president and chairman of the board.

1981: Microsoft Incorporation

In 1981, Microsoft was incorporated, and Bill Gates became president and chairman of the board, solidifying his leadership role.

August 1986: Partnership with IBM

In August 1986, Microsoft struck a deal with IBM to develop the OS/2 operating system, though the partnership later deteriorated.

1986: Microsoft IPO

In 1986, Microsoft had its initial public offering (IPO), which significantly increased the company's and Gates' financial status.

1987: Listed as billionaire in Forbes magazine

In 1987, Bill Gates was listed as a billionaire in Forbes magazine's first ever America's richest issue. He became the world's youngest-ever self-made billionaire, with a net worth of $1.25 billion in 1987.

1993: Ranked first on the Forbes 400 list

In 1993, Bill Gates was ranked first on the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans.

1995: Ranked as the richest person

In 1995, Bill Gates was ranked as the richest person in the world on The World's Billionaires list.

1995: World's Wealthiest Person

In 1995, Forbes magazine ranked Bill Gates as the world's wealthiest person, a position he held for 18 out of 24 years until 2017.

1996: Ranked as the richest person

In 1996, Bill Gates was ranked as the richest person in the world on The World's Billionaires list.

1998: Ranked as the richest person

In 1998, Bill Gates was ranked as the richest person in the world on The World's Billionaires list.

1999: Named Influential by Time

In 1999, Bill Gates was named one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century by Time magazine.

1999: Wealth surpassed US$100 billion

In 1999, Bill Gates's wealth briefly surpassed US$100 billion, making him the first person to reach this net worth.

2000: Transition to Chief Software Architect

In 2000, Bill Gates transitioned from CEO of Microsoft to the role of chief software architect, succeeded by Steve Ballmer.

June 2006: Transition Announcement

In June 2006, Bill Gates announced that he would transition out of his role at Microsoft to dedicate more time to philanthropy.

2007: Ranked as the richest person

In 2007, Bill Gates was ranked as the richest person in the world on The World's Billionaires list.

June 27, 2008: Transition Completion

On June 27, 2008, Bill Gates completed the two-year process of transitioning his responsibilities at Microsoft to Ray Ozzie and Craig Mundie.

2008: Stepping Down as Chief Software Architect

In 2008, Bill Gates stepped down as chief software architect at Microsoft, further transitioning his role within the company.

2009: Wealth doubled from US$40 billion to US$82 billion

Between 2009 and 2014, Bill Gates' wealth doubled from US$40 billion to US$82 billion.

2009: Ranked as the richest person

In 2009, Bill Gates was ranked as the richest person in the world on The World's Billionaires list.

2013: Regained top position on Bloomberg Billionaires Index

In 2013, Bill Gates regained the top position as the wealthiest person, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

2013: Recognition as World's Largest Charitable Foundation

In 2013, the Funds for NGOs company identified the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as the world's largest charitable foundation, with reported assets valued at more than $34.6 billion.

February 5, 2014: Gates Leaves Chair of Microsoft

On February 5, 2014, Bill Gates left the chair of Microsoft, handing it over to John W. Thompson.

February 2014: Technology Advisor Role

In February 2014, Bill Gates stepped down as chairman of Microsoft and became the technology advisor at the firm to support newly appointed CEO Satya Nadella.

2014: Stepping Down as Chairman

In 2014, Bill Gates stepped down as chairman of the board at Microsoft, becoming technology advisor to CEO Satya Nadella.

2014: Ranked first on the Forbes 400 list

In 2014, Bill Gates was ranked first on the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans.

2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2016, Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates jointly received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for their philanthropic work.

2017: Ranked first on the Forbes 400 list

In 2017, Bill Gates was ranked first on the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans.

November 2019: Became the richest person again

In November 2019, Bill Gates once again became the richest person in the world after a 48% increase in Microsoft shares, surpassing Jeff Bezos.

2020: Resignation from Microsoft Board

In 2020, Bill Gates resigned from the board of Microsoft, marking a further reduction in his direct involvement with the company.

May 6, 2023: Commencement Address at Northern Arizona University

On May 6, 2023, Bill Gates delivered a commencement address at Northern Arizona University, where he received an honorary doctorate and shared insights on climate change.