Bliss wallpaper Archives

Winsage

May 9, 2026

Windows 11’s iconic system sounds may be getting a refresh, Microsoft drops a hint

Microsoft is planning to refresh the audio experience in Windows 11, as indicated by Marcus Ash, the head of Design and Research for Windows and Devices. He announced that the sound designer who worked on the Windows 11 startup sound has rejoined the team, suggesting the development of new system sounds, including notifications, error alerts, and a potential new startup chime. The current Windows 11 startup sound lasts one second and is noted for its modern quality. The initiative aims to enhance the auditory experience of the operating system, which aligns with broader improvements in functionality and user interaction, including haptic feedback effects and a more compact taskbar design.

AppWizard

April 27, 2026

I turned my $1,000 phone into a 1995 desktop computer with this quirky Android launcher

Most Android launchers focus on functionality, with options like Microsoft Launcher for productivity and Senior Home for a decluttered interface. The author struggles with organization, preferring a chaotic arrangement of apps and files. They decided to transform their Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra into a Windows 95 homage, inspired by nostalgia for the operating system. The community on the r/windows95 subreddit celebrates this legacy. To achieve the transformation, the author used Launcher95, which offers a free and paid version. The app provides a home screen reminiscent of Windows 95, featuring a Start button, alphabetical app listing, and customization options. While initially a novelty, the author found useful features like quick links to webpages. Launcher95 may not suit everyone, especially those with many apps, but it offers a unique charm and can promote a simpler digital experience when used minimally.

Winsage

March 31, 2026

Windows 11 meets the iconic Windows 10 “Hero” in this new mashup

Windows 11 features a new square and symmetrical logo, while a Reddit user named "Reamed" has created a wallpaper that combines the nostalgia of Windows 10's "Hero" wallpaper with the Windows 11 logo. Reamed used the Windows 11 logo as the sole asset and applied various filters to create the wallpaper. Windows 10's original wallpaper was created by Bradley Munkowitz using practical photography techniques involving lasers and smoke. The blending of the modern Windows 11 logo with the nostalgic Windows 10 wallpaper serves as a tribute to Munkowitz's work.

Winsage

March 12, 2026

I changed my Windows 11 wallpaper immediately the moment my friend sent me this

A new wallpaper titled "Feeling of Nostalgia - Windows 11 Bliss Wallpaper" combines the "Bliss" image from Windows XP with the "Bloom" wallpaper of Windows 11, generating mixed reactions on Reddit. Users expressed a range of opinions, from playful comments to serious critiques. The discussion included accusations of cult-like behavior among participants. Additionally, a colleague created an AI-generated version of the Windows 11 "Bloom" wallpaper using Gemini, incorporating the colors of the Windows Central logo. A high-resolution version and more Windows Central-themed content are planned for future release.

Winsage

March 4, 2026

Windows XP “Bliss” has been remixed for 2026 — here’s how to download it.

Windows XP's "Bliss" wallpaper, photographed by Charles O'Rear, was made the default wallpaper for Windows XP after Microsoft secured the rights in 2000. The default wallpaper for Windows 11, called Bloom, was created by the design studio Six N. Five. A Reddit user, Left_Hovercraft451, combined the Bliss image with the Windows 11 wallpaper, reflecting a desire for more personalized desktop aesthetics as we approach 2026. The rise of AI tools has sparked debates about ownership and originality in art, particularly regarding AI-generated content inspired by specific photographs.

Winsage

December 1, 2025

Microsoft’s 2025 Limted Edition Windows Ugly Sweater celebrates 50 years of nostalgia with Clippy, DOS, MSN, and more— and it’ll sell out fast, so act now!

Microsoft has released the Windows Ugly Sweater for 2025, featuring characters like Clippy and the Paint application in celebration of the company's upcoming 50th anniversary. It is available for purchase through the Microsoft Company Store. The tradition began in 2019 with the Windows XP Ugly Sweater, initially gifted to influencers, and became available to a wider audience in 2020. Subsequent themes included Minesweeper in 2021, Clippy in 2022, and the Windows XP Bliss wallpaper in 2023. There was no Ugly Sweater in 2024, but it has returned for 2025.

Winsage

October 2, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows XP Crocs are here — here’s how to acquire your own pair

Microsoft is offering a chance to win a pair of limited-edition Windows XP Crocs as part of its 50th anniversary sweepstakes. The Crocs feature the Bliss wallpaper and are not available for direct purchase. To enter the sweepstakes, participants must comment on a relevant post using the hashtag #MicrosoftCrocSweepstakes. The Bliss wallpaper, captured by photographer Charles O'Rear in 1996, became the default wallpaper for Windows XP after Microsoft acquired its rights in 2000. The Windows XP Crocs are part of a broader celebration that includes the release of a limited-edition Surface Laptop 7 and other nostalgic elements.

Winsage

August 7, 2025

Microsoft’s anniversary edition Windows XP-themed Crocs are definitely a look, but I’m not entirely sure I could carry them off

Microsoft has released a special anniversary edition of Crocs inspired by Windows XP, featuring a design that replicates the iconic Bliss wallpaper. The upper part of the footwear showcases fluffy white clouds against a blue sky, while the soles depict lush green grass. A worldwide launch is expected, though no specific dates have been provided. The Bliss image, captured by photographer Charles O’Rear in 1996 and acquired by Microsoft before Windows XP's release in 2001, depicts a hill in Sonoma County, California, which has since become a vineyard. Bliss was once one of the most viewed photographs globally, reflecting the popularity of Windows XP.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

These $80 Windows XP Crocs just made me desperate for Android footwear

Microsoft has collaborated with Crocs to create limited-edition footwear celebrating the 50th anniversary of the company and the nostalgia of Windows XP. The shoes feature a sky blue design with grassy green soles, reminiscent of the Bliss wallpaper. Each pair includes a six-pack of Microsoft-themed charms, such as the MSN logo, Internet Explorer emblem, Clippy, and the classic mouse pointer. Microsoft employees have exclusive pre-order access, and each purchase comes with a matching Bliss drawstring backpack. The price of the Crocs is not specified. There is also a growing desire in the tech community for similar custom footwear, particularly Android-themed Crocs.

Winsage

August 5, 2025

Microsoft is making Windows XP crocs — complete with XP inspired Jibbitz for maximum nerd cred

Microsoft has announced the creation of Windows XP-themed Crocs, featuring the Bliss wallpaper design and Jibbitz charms inspired by Microsoft products. Currently, these Crocs are available exclusively to Microsoft employees but will soon be accessible to the public. This launch is part of Microsoft's 50th anniversary celebration. The Bliss wallpaper was captured by photographer Charles O'Rear in 1998 and became synonymous with Windows XP after Microsoft acquired its rights in 2000.