Microsoft unveils an exclusive anniversary edition of Windows 11's popular wallpaper design; discover its appearance and simple download steps
Microsoft's "Bloom" wallpaper, introduced with Windows 11 in 2021, has undergone several changes and updates since its inception. This abstract blue flower design, available in various versions and color variants, reflects both aesthetic updates tailored for hardware and thematic changes tied to special editions or branding campaigns.
The original "Bloom" wallpaper features an abstract blue flower shape, available in both light and dark variants to match the system’s light and dark themes. Since then, Microsoft has released a series of variations, each with its unique characteristics.
One of the most notable variants is the Windows 365 Variant, which includes light and dark versions featuring a Bloom flower with a slightly glossier, glassier material effect. Another variant, the Windows 365 Link Device Variant, is an even glossier version of the Bloom wallpaper designed for specific hardware.
Different Surface devices have shipped with Bloom wallpapers that reflect the colour of the respective hardware. For instance, the special edition Surface Laptop 7, released to celebrate Microsoft's 50th anniversary, comes with a Bloom wallpaper that matches the gold accents found on the laptop.
In 2024, Microsoft launched Copilot+ PCs, updating the "Bloom" wallpaper with the colours of the Copilot logo. This variant, like others, optimises OLED and miniLED displays by leveraging ultra-deep blacks and vibrant highlights, suitable for dark mode users and reducing burn-in risk.
The 50th anniversary "Bloom" wallpaper, a special edition variant, is characterised by a much darker flower with swirling metallic gold accents on a deep black background. This wallpaper was originally bundled with the limited-run Surface Laptop 7 featuring matching gold highlights and a retro Microsoft logo. It's now available for download despite the limited availability of its original hardware companion.
Interestingly, a variant of the wallpaper was based on the original "Hero" wallpaper but in a slightly brighter colour. However, it was never shipped in any official capacity. Another variant was discovered in an early Windows 11 build but never officially released.
"Bloom" was originally designed by Six N. Five. A variant of the wallpaper was made exclusively for Windows 365 with a slightly different colour hue. Windows 10's default wallpaper was updated a number of times throughout its lifecycle, with the new default Windows 11 wallpaper being called "Bloom."
As Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, a special 50th anniversary Surface Laptop 7 is being shipped out to competition winners. The special edition Surface Laptop 7 features a gold Microsoft logo on the lid and a retro Microsoft logo from 1975 on the inside.
In conclusion, the "Bloom" wallpaper's evolution showcases Microsoft's commitment to designing visually appealing and unique wallpapers that complement their hardware and branding campaigns. With each new variant, users have a wider range of choices to personalise their Windows 11 experience.
[1] Microsoft's "Bloom" Wallpaper: A Deep Dive into the Variants [3] Microsoft's 50th Anniversary Surface Laptop 7: A Closer Look [5] The Rarest and Newest "Bloom" Wallpaper: The 50th Anniversary Variant
- The original "Bloom" wallpaper introduced with Windows 11 in 2021 is available in both light and dark themes, matching the system's respective themes, but subsequent variations have showcased various unique characteristics.
- One of the notable variants of the "Bloom" wallpaper is the Windows 365 Variant, which features a Bloom flower with a slightly glossier, glassier material effect compared to the original.
- The Windows 365 Link Device Variant, another variant, is an even glossier version of the Bloom wallpaper designed for specific hardware.
- Different Surface devices, including the Surface Laptop 7, have shipped with Bloom wallpapers that reflect the colour of the respective hardware.
- In 2024, Microsoft updated the "Bloom" wallpaper with the colors of the Copilot logo for the Copilot+ PCs, optimising OLED and miniLED displays by leveraging ultra-deep blacks and vibrant highlights.
- The 50th anniversary "Bloom" wallpaper, a special edition variant, features a much darker flower with swirling metallic gold accents on a deep black background, originally bundled with the limited-run Surface Laptop 7.
- "Bloom" was originally designed by Six N. Five, and a variant of the wallpaper was made exclusively for Windows 365 with a slightly different color hue, demonstrating Microsoft's dedication to creating unique wallpapers that complement their hardware and branding campaigns.
