Microsoft has officially turned 50, marking the milestone on April 4, 2025, and to celebrate, it’s rolling out a set of limited-edition wallpapers that pay tribute to some of the most iconic moments in Windows history.
Created by three in-house designers and longtime Windows superfans, the wallpapers blend retro aesthetics with personal memories—from pixelated UI and game-inspired visuals to colourful nods to Windows XP and beyond. Each design reimagines a piece of Windows nostalgia in a fresh, modern way.
Here’s what you can download:
🪟 Windows logo mosaic
A radiant collage built around the classic four-pane Windows logo, created by designer Chris Palazzo. A self-proclaimed DOS-era kid, Palazzo channels the excitement of each Windows launch, especially the iconic Windows 95 startup screen with its calming blue sky.
🀄 Mahjong memories
Designed by You Zhang, this wallpaper is inspired by Microsoft Mahjong, launched in 2012. The visual is filled with retro UI elements and game icons like Minesweeper. Zhang calls it a blend of childhood nostalgia and cross-generational design appeal.
View this post on Instagram
🃏 Solitaire cascade
Art director Yulia Makhmudova recreated the legendary cascading card animation from Solitaire—this time forming the number “50” to mark the anniversary. For many, this visual brings back memories of classic Windows gaming.
🌷 50 yellow tulips
Makhmudova also revisited the famous Windows XP Tulips wallpaper, this time with 50 yellow blooms in a sunny tribute. There’s even a dark mode version with a hazier, more atmospheric twist.
View this post on Instagram
