Bill Gates currently owns about 1.38% of Microsoft’s shares. This makes him the largest individual shareholder in the company. However, his ownership stake has declined significantly over the years. In the late 1980s, Gates owned over 40% of Microsoft’s shares.

Gates has sold millions of shares of Microsoft stock over the years to fund his charitable foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He has also donated shares directly to the foundation.

Despite his reduced ownership stake, Gates remains a major figure at Microsoft. He serves as a technology advisor to the company and is still active in its decision-making process.