How did Microsoft expect Windows 8 to be successful when the company removed one of the most iconic parts of the Windows operating system: Solitaire? Clearly the company learned its lesson and intends to make things right with Windows 10, as The Verge is reporting that Microsoft will include Solitaire as a built-in game for Windows 10, while some of the operating system’s other iconic games will be available from the store.
Despite admitting games like Solitaire, Minesweeper, and Hearts “have a devoted following,” Microsoft chose to remove them from Windows 8. While overhauled and modern versions were available in the Windows Store, there’s nothing quite as nostalgic as navigating to Start > Programs> Accessories > Games, and finding the classic Windows games. Microsoft is now bringing back Solitaire as a built-in game on Windows 10. It’s the same modern version from Windows 8, but you no longer have to search around the Windows Store to find it and play. It’s a similar decision to the return of the Start Menu, bringing back features Windows users are familiar with. Only Solitaire is back as a built-in app so far, and that may even change by the time Windows 10 ships in the summer. If you’re a fan of Minesweeper or Hearts then you’ll still need to search for both in the Windows Store, or just admit defeat to Solitaire and spend your office day shuffling virtual cards instead of working on that important Excel spreadsheet.
