Portrait of Bill Gates
Biography for young readers

Bill Gates

Co-founding Microsoft and helping bring personal computers to people around the world

Lived
1955-present
From
American
Reading time
About 2 min
Reading guide
Independent-reader guide

Watch Bill Gates's story unfold

Portrait of Bill Gates
01

Early Life

Bill Gates was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington.

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Why this story matters

A life worth remembering

Co-founding Microsoft and helping bring personal computers to people around the world

Think about it

What did you notice?

  • Which moment changed the direction of this person's life?
  • Which achievement or idea do you think mattered most?
  • What is one question you would ask them?
Prefer to read? Open the complete biography transcript

Early Life

Bill Gates was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington. As a kid, he was curious and loved learning new things, especially math and science. He enjoyed reading and solving puzzles, and he liked to challenge himself with big ideas.

When Bill was in middle school, he discovered computers for the first time. At that time, computers were very large and rare. Bill became fascinated and spent many hours learning how they worked and how to write computer programs.

Learning to Code

Bill went to a private school called Lakeside School, where he got a special chance to use a computer. He and his friends practiced coding whenever they could. Bill loved finding mistakes in programs and fixing them, which is called “debugging.”

As a teenager, Bill met Paul Allen, who shared his love for computers. Together, they dreamed of a future where computers could be used by everyone, not just scientists.

Creating Microsoft

In 1975, Bill and Paul started a company called Microsoft. Their goal was to make computer software that was easy to use. One of their most important projects was creating software that helped computers run smoothly.

Microsoft grew very quickly. Many homes and schools began using computers with Microsoft software. Bill became one of the most well-known business leaders in the technology world, but he never stopped learning or thinking about new ideas.

Helping the World

Later in life, Bill decided to spend more time helping others. He and Melinda French Gates started the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, now known as the Gates Foundation. The foundation works to improve health, education, and access to clean water around the world.

Bill is known as a philanthropist who believes that knowledge and kindness can change lives. He often says that learning is a lifelong adventure.

Legacy and Inspiration

Bill Gates is known not only for technology but also for generosity. His story shows that curiosity, hard work, and teamwork can lead to amazing achievements. Bill continues to inspire young people to learn new skills and find ways to help others.

Did you know?

Fun facts about Bill Gates

  1. Bill Gates wrote his first computer program as a teenager.

  2. He is an avid reader and reads about 50 books a year.

  3. Bill once memorized the license plate numbers of his friends just for fun.

  4. He enjoys playing bridge, a card game that requires strategy.

  5. Bill believes mistakes are a great way to learn and improve.

Learn & remember

Make the story yours

2 min read · Independent-reader guide

Three things to remember

  1. Known for: Co-founding Microsoft and helping bring personal computers to people around the world
  2. Lived: 1955-present
  3. From: American
Quick check

What do you remember?

Think of an answer, then open each card to check.

What is Bill Gates best known for?

Co-founding Microsoft and helping bring personal computers to people around the world

When did Bill Gates live?

1955-present

What place or nationality is connected to this story?

American

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