Windows wallpapers worth celebrating

As we look ahead to Microsoft’s 50^th anniversary, we’re celebrating the iconic memories and moments you’ve made over the past five decades. What better way to celebrate than with exclusive products like nostalgic Windows wallpapers—channeling the retro colors, pixelated edges and anticipation of new Windows releases across time. Made by three Microsoft designers and Windows superfans, our limited-edition wallpapers reimagine Windows’ most memorable moments.

Download the wallpapers and discover the inspiration behind each design below:

Windows logo

Delightful memories radiate out from the heart of our iconic four-square logo—celebrating Microsoft’s 50th anniversary while tapping into Windows product nostalgia. The designer and creative director Chris Palazzo knows the impact on fans firsthand. He’s an ‘80s kid who grew up around floppy discs and dot matrix printers as part of his family PC business. “I started on DOS. Every single time a Windows release happened—my mind was blown.” Even today, he has an almost Pavlovian response to the iconic Windows 95 startup screen with a blue sky.

Microsoft Mahjong 

Launched in 2012, Microsoft’s Mahjong game is stronger than ever on Microsoft Casual Games. It’s also the inspo for designer You Zhang’s rich, detailed Wallpaper designs. Zhang loved reconnecting with nostalgic influences like classic Windows 95 UI and childhood games like Minesweeper. He says, “It’s nice to be nostalgic. There’s real value in merging retro with modern styles to make memorable designs that appeal across generations.”

Cascading Solitaire  

Watching Solitaire cards animate at the end of each hand is hands-down one of the most visually satisfying design moments for art director Yulia Makhmudova. So, she jumped at the chance to use the cascade effect for a 50th anniversary wallpaper—arranging Solitaire cards in a grand “50.” Makhmudova is no stranger to classic Windows games. Playing 3D Pinball on the family computer as a kid is her fondest flashback. “It was so fun—down to the details and sound effects!” Back then, she spent way too many hours creating user profiles for family members in Windows XP. Her favorite avatar: the fish!

Yellow tulips

Makhmudova had so much fun creating her first 50^th wallpaper, she decided to geek out some more. The question that informed her process: “What else can I ‘turn 50’?” Experimenting with the original Tulips motif—legendary during the Windows XP era with Bliss—she brought more spring to the design with 50 yellow buds. Dark mode welcomed a hazier, more mysterious twin. “Through the lens of nostalgia and dozens of experiments, I had a chance to play with colors, materials and new techniques—and collaborate with super-talented designers.”

Discover more ways to join in Microsoft’s 50^th anniversary celebrations on Microsoft Unlocked!