Jefferson Graham | USA TODAY

USA TODAY, Wochit

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, said in a LinkedIn post Friday he's stepping down from the board of directors of the company, to devote more time to philanthropy.

He also said he would relinquish his post on the board of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway company.

"The leadership at the Berkshire companies and Microsoft has never been stronger, so the time is right to take this step," said Gates.

His priorities now include global health and development, education, and "my increasing engagement in tackling climate change," Gates wrote.

He added that not being on the board doesn't mean he won't continue to be involved with Microsoft. Gates made the announcement on the social networking site for enterprise owned by Microsoft.

"Microsoft will always be an important part of my life's work and I will continue to be engaged," with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and the company leadership "to help shape the vision and achieve the company’s ambitious goals. I feel more optimistic than ever about the progress the company is making and how it can continue to benefit the world."

Robert Hanashiro, USAT

At Microsoft, Gates helped launch the computer revolution with the MS-DOS software that was included as part of early IBM computers. Later he popularized graphics in computing with Windows 95 software from Microsoft.

He stepped down as CEO of Microsoft in 2008 to spend more time on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, his non-profit organization "dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals around the world."

"I am looking forward to this next phase as an opportunity to maintain the friendships and partnerships that have meant the most to me, continue to contribute to two companies of which I am incredibly proud, and effectively prioritize my commitment to addressing some of the world’s toughest challenges," Gates said.