From Solitaire to Game Pass – gaming has been a driving force of innovation at Microsoft for decades. And since the creation of Xbox over 20 years ago, we’ve been innovating to bring the joy of gaming to everyone, introducing new ideas and finding more ways to empower players and creators around the world.

As we get ready to celebrate Microsoft’s 50th Anniversary on Friday, April 4, we honor the game-changing memories you’ve made, and the games you’ve played, over five decades with us. This journey was only made possible by you – our players and developers around the world.​

As a thank you for 50 years together we’re launching new dynamic backgrounds, profile themes, badges, and even a new Microsoft Solitaire theme, all available now:

50^th Anniversary Dynamic Background

Celebrate some of the iconic characters that have been part of our shared gaming story over the last five decades – including Master Chief, Marcus Fenix, Vault Boy, and many more – brought together with a new dynamic background.

Find out how to apply Dynamic Backgrounds here.

Nostalgic Profile Themes

Go nostalgic with brand new profile themes, including three new Gamerpics featuring an old Windows cursor, a floppy disc and, of course, Clippy. Match your Gamerpic with a new profile background to complete the look.

Find out how to update your profile theme here.

50^th Anniversary Badge

As a thank you for 50 years of experimenting, innovating, tinkering, and playing together, we’ve created a special Microsoft 50th Anniversary badge that you can add to your Xbox profile.

Here’s how to claim your badge:

• First, you must join – or be an existing member of – the Xbox Insider Program. See here for how to join.
• Launch the Xbox Insider Hub on console or PC (if you don’t already have the app, search for it in the store).
• Select ‘Previews’ on the left navigation menu.
• Click ’50th Anniversary Badge’ under the ‘Available’ section.
• Join the preview!

Please note: Badges may take 1-2 days to appear on your profile after joining the preview.

50^th Anniversary Theme for Microsoft Solitaire

Celebrate with the game that started a love of gaming for so many. Available now for Windows devices, the Microsoft 50^th theme adds a custom background, deck style, and card backs to the game.

Here’s how to download and apply the theme:

• Open Microsoft Solitaire (or download from the Microsoft Store)
• Hit “Menu” in the top-left
• Navigate to “Themes”
• Click “Microsoft 50^th” to download and apply the theme

To learn more about Microsoft’s 50^th Anniversary and how you can join in on the celebration, visit the 50^th Anniversary website.

Editor’s note: Added clarification to Badge redemption section.