On April 4, 2025, one of the world’s most iconic tech giants, Microsoft, turns 50. From humble beginnings in a college dorm room to revolutionizing the way we use computers, Microsoft’s journey is nothing short of legendary. Co-founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975, the company helped shape the modern tech landscape, transforming the digital lives of billions.
To mark the half-century milestone, Microsoft co-founder and former CEO Bill Gates took to social media and his personal blog to share a heartfelt, nostalgic tribute to the company that defined an era. With a touch of humor and a whole lot of heart, Gates celebrated not only the company’s achievements but also its quirky past — including a few “awkward photo shoots” from the early days.
Let’s dive into this memorable moment in tech history, Bill Gates’ personal reflections, and why Microsoft’s legacy still matters.
From Harvard Dorm Room to Global Tech Powerhouse
The story of Microsoft began in 1975 when two young tech enthusiasts — Bill Gates and Paul Allen — saw a future powered by personal computing. They founded Microsoft on April 4 that year with a vision to put “a computer on every desk and in every home.” What seemed ambitious at the time is now our everyday reality.
Bill Gates, then a Harvard dropout, and Allen, his childhood friend, were passionate about software. Their first product was a version of BASIC for the Altair 8800 — a popular microcomputer of the time. That marked the beginning of a software revolution.
Over the decades, Microsoft has gone from developing operating systems like MS-DOS and Windows to creating a vast ecosystem of productivity tools, gaming platforms (Xbox), cloud computing (Azure), and AI innovations. With more than 200,000 employees across the globe and a market cap in the trillions, Microsoft is now one of the most valuable companies on Earth.
A Bittersweet Milestone for Bill Gates
In honor of Microsoft’s 50th anniversary, Bill Gates posted a video montage on Instagram (@thisisbillgates), giving fans a peek into the company’s early days. The video opened with Gates, now 69, lounging on a couch and taking a selfie. The text overlay read:
“Unfortunately, I’ll never feel cool again because this was me in the early Microsoft days.”
What followed was a hilarious and charming collection of throwback photos — Gates in oversized glasses, plaid shirts, and surrounded by the retro tech of the ‘70s and ‘80s. The post went viral, resonating with millions who fondly remember Microsoft’s rise and Gates’ evolution from a nerdy coder to a global philanthropist.
“Happy 50th birthday, @microsoft. Thanks for the memories—and awkward photo shoots,” Gates wrote in the caption.
But the humor was balanced with sentiment. On his personal blog, GatesNotes, he reflected deeper:
“Although I am excited to celebrate the anniversary, reaching this milestone feels bittersweet. I always love reflecting back on Microsoft’s history and dreaming about its future. But it’s also hard to believe that such a significant piece of my life has been around for a half-century!”
Walking Down Memory Lane: Harvard, Hamburgers, and Microsoft’s Birth
A week before the big anniversary, Gates shared another personal post. He reminisced about his days living in Currier House at Harvard University — the place where Microsoft was born.
“Living in Currier House in college was the best experience,” Gates wrote. “You could have a hamburger at every meal, play poker whenever you wanted, and even start a little side project you end up naming Microsoft.”
He even posted a video tour of the old dorm, giving fans a rare glimpse into the roots of one of the most successful startups in history.
Microsoft Through the Decades: A Legacy of Innovation
Here’s a quick look at some of Microsoft’s biggest milestones over the last 50 years:
- 1980s: Launched MS-DOS, followed by Windows 1.0 in 1985.
- 1990s: Dominated the PC era with Windows 95, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Office.
- 2000s: Introduced the Xbox gaming console, Surface devices, and .NET framework.
- 2010s: Acquired LinkedIn, GitHub, and emphasized cloud computing with Azure.
- 2020s: Became a leader in AI and productivity with Microsoft 365, Copilot, and sustainable tech innovations.
Throughout all these decades, one thing remained constant — Microsoft’s commitment to empowering individuals and businesses through accessible technology.
Why Microsoft Still Matters?
While the tech world today includes giants like Google, Apple, and Amazon, Microsoft continues to stand tall because of its ability to evolve. From being a software-first company to embracing open-source and AI, Microsoft has constantly reinvented itself.
It now plays a critical role in the development of artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and hybrid work solutions. Whether you’re using Excel at work, Teams for meetings, or playing Xbox at home — chances are, Microsoft touches some part of your digital life.
A Tribute to Paul Allen: Microsoft’s Quiet Visionary
While much of the spotlight is on Bill Gates, it’s important to remember Paul Allen — Microsoft’s co-founder who passed away in 2018. A brilliant technologist, Allen played a vital role in shaping the company’s early direction.
In past interviews, Gates often credited Allen with envisioning the personal computing future and pushing for the development of software that could run on emerging microcomputers.
As Microsoft celebrates 50 years, Allen’s legacy is deeply felt — not just in tech but in the world of arts, science, and philanthropy.
Reactions from the Tech World and Fans
Gates’ Instagram post triggered a wave of nostalgia. Thousands of fans, former employees, and tech enthusiasts flooded the comments with messages like:
- “This is history. You didn’t just build a company — you changed the world.”
- “Can’t believe it’s been 50 years. Thank you for inspiring generations of coders.”
- “Love the throwbacks! You made nerdy cool before it was cool.”
Prominent figures from the tech world also joined in. Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s current CEO, shared a post thanking Gates and Allen for the foundation they laid:
“Fifty years ago, Microsoft set out to democratize technology. That mission continues today, stronger than ever. Thank you, Bill and Paul, for dreaming big.”
Final Thoughts: From Nostalgia to the Future
As Microsoft enters its next 50 years, the possibilities are endless. With advancements in AI, quantum computing, and sustainability, the company is poised to lead the next digital revolution.
Bill Gates’ tribute wasn’t just a nostalgic look back — it was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much more lies ahead. His old photos may have been “awkward,” but they told the story of passion, persistence, and purpose.
In a world obsessed with the next big thing, it’s refreshing to take a moment to look back — to appreciate the journey, the struggles, and the vision that turned two friends’ dream into a global phenomenon.
