I'm in love with Microsoft's limited-edition 50th anniversary wallpapers — Here's how to get them

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Microsoft turns 50 today, and it's celebrating with some limited-edition throwback wallpapers.

Microsoft 50th anniversary Solitaire wallpaper
I'm sticking with the Solitaire wallpaper for now. (Image credit: Future)

Microsoft is celebrating its 50th anniversary today, April 4.

To commemorate the milestone, the company has released eight limited-edition Windows wallpapers with themes familiar to anyone who's been around during the half-century run.

👉 Microsoft 50th Anniversary Copilot Event live coverage

The wallpapers, which you can download in a zipped pack straight from Microsoft's blog page, were created jointly by three Microsoft designers, and they feature a look back at some of the high points in the company's long history.

Each wallpaper is available in a light and dark theme. Here's a quick look at the eight wallpapers released by Microsoft.

Microsoft 50th anniversary wallpaper

This Windows logo wallpaper offers a retro look back at Windows. (Image credit: Microsoft)

This Windows logo wallpaper was created by Microsoft creative director Chris Palazzo as a way to pay tribute to the feeling he gets when he sees the Windows 95 startup screen.

"I started on DOS. Every single time a Windows release happened — my mind was blown." — Chris Palazzo

Microsoft Mahjong wallpaper

Microsoft's Mahjong wallpaper is right for any longtime fans of the game. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Created by designer You Zhang, the Microsoft Mahjong wallpaper pays tribute to the game released in 2012.

"It's nice to be nostalgic. There’s real value in merging retro with modern styles to make memorable designs that appeal across generations.” — You Zhang

Microsoft Solitaire wallpaper

Is there anything better than the cascade of cards following a Solitaire win? (Image credit: Microsoft)

I know I'm not the only one who used to play Solitaire only for the cascade of cards following a win.

That feeling is captured by art director Yulia Makhmudova in this Cascading Solitare wallpaper.

Microsoft 50th Anniversary wallpaper

Windows XP's tulip theme has been recreated in this 50th Anniversary wallpaper. (Image credit: Microsoft)

Windows XP was one of the best operating systems around, and its colorful motif included tulips.

That's been honored by art director Yulia Makhmudova, who also created the Solitaire wallpaper.

“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.” — Yulia Makhmudova

Did you grab these limited-edition Windows wallpapers?

Are you a fan of these anniversary edition wallpapers? Which one did you add to your PC? Let me know in the comments section below!

If you're also on Xbox, don't miss out on the limited-edition Dynamic Background and more.

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Cale Hunt
Cale Hunt
Contributor

Cale Hunt brings to Windows Central more than eight years of experience writing about laptops, PCs, accessories, games, and beyond. If it runs Windows or in some way complements the hardware, there’s a good chance he knows about it, has written about it, or is already busy testing it. 

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