So, sit back and browse through the wonderful world of Windows wallpapers across the operating systems released by Microsoft.
Windows Wallpaper Collection
Microsoft released its first OS, Windows 1.0 back in 1985. However, the first few versions of the operating system did not have the desktop screen that we all know today. Microsoft brought out the option to change wallpapers to its operating system with Windows 3.0. Windows 3.0 was released in 1990. So, we’ll start this collection with wallpapers of Windows 3.0 and end up with Windows 11.
Windows 3.0 Wallpapers
The first OS from Windows that had the option to let you set and change wallpapers. The wallpapers from this OS are simple yet nice to look at. However, most of the wallpapers for Windows 3.0 are perfect for your desktops as long as you set the wallpaper fit to tile. The wallpapers also give you the early 90s vibe. Download Windows 3.0 Wallpapers
Windows 3.1 to Windows 3.5 NT Wallpapers
After the launch of Windows 3.0, the following years up to 1995 saw the release of various Windows 3.x versions. This is also the time when the NT versions of Windows 3 were made available. When it comes to these older OS wallpapers, Microsoft focused on the pattern design for desktops. So if you plan to use this on your Windows 10 or 11 desktop, make sure to set the fit as Tile. There are a lot of wallpaper options for you to choose from. Download Windows 3.1 to 3.5 NT Wallpapers
Windows 95 and 98 Wallpapers
Windows 95, as you might have guessed, was released in 1995, and it had a lot of new features at its time. However, when it came to the wallpapers for the new operating system, Microsoft still stuck around with the tiled-style wallpapers. But this time the wallpapers came with darker colors so that they wouldn’t hurt your eyes. Windows 98 became the last OS to be released from the 90s era. Based on the original Windows 95 operating system, the wallpapers were almost the same as the ones seen in Windows 95 but with some improvements. One should also note that the tile-styled wallpapers almost come to an end with Windows 98. Download Windows 95 and 98 Wallpapers
Windows NT 4.0 Wallpapers
Windows NT 4.0 was a business edition OS that was largely based on Windows 95. While it still stuck to the pattern-styled tile wallpapers, we got to see a set of new wallpapers which still looked good. For wallpapers coming from the mid 90, they have aged well and would still look good as wallpapers for your modern-day OS. Download Windows NT 4.0 Wallpapers
Windows 2000 and ME Wallpapers
The start of a new millennium only meant one thing; a new Windows operating system. This was where Microsoft began bringing out full-sized, high-quality images to its set of wallpapers. Of course, you still had the pattern tile wallpapers for those who have grown to like it. Most of the full-sized wallpapers are nature-based ones, which are perfect. Download Windows ME Wallpapers
Windows XP Wallpapers
Here comes one of the best and most loved operating systems from Microsoft. When you think of Windows XP, the most popular Bliss wallpaper comes to mind. Windows XP has many full-sized wallpapers, which you will easily recognize if you have used the OS previously. The pattern-styled wallpapers that were popular from the older Windows operating systems are no longer a thing starting with Windows XP. So, here’s the Windows XP wallpapers preview gallery. Download Windows XP Wallpapers
Windows Vista Wallpapers
Windows Vista was to take over and become the next big operating system after XP. However, because of the harsh system requirements, the OS simply didn’t get the love it deserved. This was the OS that brought in changes to the visual appearances of Windows such as the aero glass effect, desktop widgets, and new themes. Windows Vista did come with a ton of good-looking wallpapers, which is one of the few plus points of Vista. Download Windows Vista Wallpapers
Windows 7 Wallpapers
To make up for the mess that Windows Vista had, Windows 7 was here to become the new XP in 2009. Not only was it similar to Vista, but was also a very reliable and robust operating system that continued to have users 10 years after its actual release. The most memorable wallpaper from Windows 7 was the iconic blue background with the Windows logo in the middle. Windows 7 also had wallpaper that was based on regions, photography, and seven architecture. Windows 7 wallpapers could also be stated as the only OS that had the best set of wallpapers ever. Download Windows 7 Wallpapers
Windows 8 Wallpapers
Microsoft decided that everyone would switch from traditional laptops and PCs to touchscreen tablets. And the result is Windows 8. While the operating system and some improvements in terms of features, the start menu became the mold for the operating system. WIndows 8’s start menu was not your regular start menu. Instead, it just spread all over the screen and people didn’t like it. Wallpaper-wise, Windows 8 had a handful of good wallpapers. You could use these not only as your desktop background but also as the newly introduced lock screen. Download Windows 8 Wallpapers
Windows 8.1 Wallpapers
Wallpapers for Windows 8.1 felt very tasteless. You see, instead of having nice images across different genres, Microsoft simply went for backgrounds that had liens and shapes. The OS did bring some changes to the start menu, but it still followed what Windows 8 had. This was also a short-lived operating system, as people were getting restless with what Windows 8 and 8.1 had become. Download Windows 8.1 Wallpapers
Windows 10 Wallpapers
Windows 10 brought some relief as an operating system in terms of design changes, performance, and features. And yes, the Start menu did make its comeback. But, when it comes to the wallpaper side of things, Windows 10 again had some basic wallpapers that were anything but boring. The default Windows logo’s dark blue background was the most used wallpaper. However, with updates to the OS, we finally got to see a light version of the popular default wallpaper which looked so much better Download Windows 10 Wallpapers
Windows 11 Collection
Windows 11 is Microsoft’s latest operating system, which has a lot of new features and even AI elements. While the features and performance elements of the OS are good, its strict and high system requirements have raised a lot of eyebrows. Microsoft Ads put some thought into the wallpapers for Windows 11 and has released a good number of wallpapers but, the wallpapers look very similar to each other. If you do care about those built-in wallpapers, you can always stick with Windows Spotlight- a feature that brings you different new wallpapers each day. Download Windows 11 Wallpapers (Direct Link)
Iconic Windows Wallpapers – A Wrap
These are all the wallpapers that you can download and use for your desktop PCs. If you had to ask me which OS’s wallpapers were the best, I would say Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 11. The other operating system wallpapers are also good, provided you like to fit them as tiles on your desktop. Will Microsoft bring out new wallpapers to Windows 11? Only time will tell. Explore More:
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Via: u/redamalo
