Microsoft’s 50th anniversary Windows wallpapers are actually pretty great

Microsoft is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week, and it’s offering some new Windows wallpapers to mark the occasion.

Over on Microsoft’s Windows blog, Microsoft has published a basket of different wallpapers for Windows PCs, which you can download here for free.

They’re actually cooler than you think! Microsoft’s designers have played with the concept of “50” in a number of different ways: with the generic Microsoft logo, for example, or with tulips. Each wallpaper is available in a 4K option for modern displays, with widescreen versions as well. There’s even versions specifically designed for dark mode, adding a little bit of mystery to the whole affair.

(This is actually Microsoft’s second attempt at providing free wallpapers for its 50th anniversary. Our sister publication PCWelt didn’t exactly love Microsoft’s first try.)

My favorite is actually the “50” motif done up in cascading Solitaire cards, reminiscent of the victory celebration that you receive for completing the game. Mahjong is there — but no Minecraft? Who knows — maybe that will be added later. The Windows entry is cute, too.

Microsoft

If you’re a gamer, don’t forget the Xbox dynamic background, too.

Microsoft will celebrate its 50th anniversary on its Redmond, Wash. campus on Friday, April 4, with company executives scheduled to speak at an outdoors event. We’ll be there. Will Copilot Search be one of the announcements?

While we’ll have more coverage as it develops, check out how Bill Gates is marking the milestone by releasing the source code that got Microsoft on its way, and my favorite tech demo ever — again at Microsoft.