In an upcoming memoir, Bill Gates will recount his journey from feeling like an outsider to nearly being expelled from college.

Bill Gates' next book is about how he became Bill Gates.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has announced a new memoir, "Source Code," which will focus on his formative years, from childhood to his decision to leave college and start Microsoft.

Although Gates has been in the public eye since his early twenties, many people are unaware of his early years. In his new book, he will delve into the relationships, lessons, and experiences that shaped his life, including the creation of Microsoft and his decision to donate most of his estimated $128 billion net worth through his philanthropic foundation.

Gates, 68, has labeled his memoir as his "origin story" and has promised to reveal more about his early life in the book, which will be published in select countries on February 4, 2025. All profits from the book will be donated to the nonprofit United Way Worldwide, as stated by a spokesperson for Gates.

"In his memoir, Gates recounts some of the more difficult aspects of his early life, such as feeling like an outsider as a child, clashing with his parents as a rebellious teenager, dealing with the unexpected loss of a loved one, and nearly being expelled from college. Additionally, he discusses the challenges of leaving school to place a bet on an emerging industry."

In a 2005 speech at Lakeside School, Gates discussed how his school-aged experiences influenced his successful career in technology.

""One of the best things that ever happened to me was Lakeside, as it was the starting point for Microsoft's founding," Gates stated."

High school shaped Gates' future

Gates was uncertain about Lakeside before enrolling, almost sabotaging his own admission.

"In 6th grade, my parents suggested I attend Lakeside, but I was hesitant because it was an all-boys school with strict rules such as wearing a jacket and tie, addressing teachers as "master," and attending chapel every morning. I even considered failing the entrance exam."

Gates received an early introduction to computers during his 7th grade in the late 1960s when several faculty members acquired a terminal. This encounter introduced him to his future Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen.

Computers were new to everyone, including students and faculty, Gates said. Although they cost thousands of dollars, computers were slow and consumed a lot of electricity. This made computers seem scary to some people, especially when 13-year-old kids were eager to try their luck next, he said.

"Gates stated that the school could have shut down the terminal or tightly regulated who used it. However, they chose to open it up. Instead of teaching about computers in a conventional manner, Lakeside allowed us to explore and experiment freely."

Quickly, Gates taught other students how to use computers, digitized the school schedule, and hacked the scheduling system to be placed in all-girls classes.

"Gates suggested that they could have hired an outside computer expert to create the scheduling system. However, the teachers did not insist on teaching computing classes, despite being the ones in charge and the students being the learners."

He attributed his success in starting a company to his experience at school, which gave him and Allen the confidence to pursue their idea that computer chips would make computers and software accessible to everyone.

Gates stated that if Lakeside School did not exist, Microsoft would not have been founded.

To become a successful and confident communicator, enroll in CNBC's online course, "Become an Effective Communicator: Master Public Speaking." Our program will teach you how to speak clearly and confidently, manage your nerves, choose the right words and body language, and make a great first impression. Sign up now and use code EARLYBIRD for a 30% discount through July 10, 2024.

Sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to receive expert advice on work, money, and life.