Last Updated on April 22, 2026
Computers can be used for many different tasks such as checking email, creating documents, browsing the internet, editing photos, and even writing code that can be used for even more apps. And the more you learn about computers, the more useful they will be to you and also be easier to use. Many people use their computers more for fun than they do for work and one way to have fun on your computer is to play video games.
Today’s video games are very advanced and provide very realistic graphics and gameplay. But if you are the type who prefers the classics, then you are in luck. In this article, we will be showing you how to install the classic Windows 7 games such as Solitaire and Minesweeper on Windows 10 & Windows 11 computers.
If you didn’t know, Windows 11 does come with some built in games. If you search for games in the taskbar search box, you should be able to open the Solitaire & Casual Games app and then launch one of the games from within the app.
Why Ditch the Modern Windows 11 Games?
While Microsoft does include the “Microsoft Solitaire Collection” in modern versions of Windows, many users find it frustrating to use. The modern UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps are heavily bloated, require an active internet connection for tracking, and are loaded with intrusive video ads that push you toward a paid monthly subscription just to play Solitaire.
The classic Windows 7 games, on the other hand, are traditional .exe (Win32) programs. They launch instantly, require zero internet connection, track no telemetry data, and best of all they are 100% ad-free.
But if you prefer the classic Windows 7 games such as the original Solitaire and Minesweeper, there is a way to install them on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer. The first thing you will need to do is go to the Windows 7 Games website here.
You will then see several other classic apps you can install on your newer Windows PC such as the original Paint, Calculator, Notepad, Task Manger and MSconfig apps.
Here are the games that are included in the Windows Games for Windows 11 and Windows 10 app.
- Solitaire
- Spider Solitaire
- Minesweeper
- FreeCell
- Hearts
- Chess Titans
- Mahjong Titans
- Purble Place
- Internet Spades
- Internet Checkers
- Internet Backgammon
Note on the Classic Internet Games
You will notice that Internet Spades, Internet Checkers, and Internet Backgammon are included in the list. While the games will install perfectly, be aware that Microsoft officially shut down the matchmaking servers for these specific multiplayer games back in early 2020. You can still install them, but the online matchmaking features will no longer connect to the defunct servers. The single-player games, like Chess Titans and Mahjong, work flawlessly.
To install the classic Windows 7 games, you will need to scroll down the page and click on the button that says Download Games. You will then need to unzip the zip file, and you will have an executable file called Windows7Games_for_Windows_11_10_8.exe that you will need to double click on to start the installation.
Bypassing Windows Defender SmartScreen
Because this installer is technically a modified package created by a third-party developer to port old Windows 7 system files into the newer Windows 11 architecture, your computer may flag it as an “unrecognized app.”
If you double-click the installer and see a blue Windows protected your PC popup, do not panic. This is a standard SmartScreen false positive.
- Click the More info link located in the text of the warning.
- A new button will appear at the bottom right. Click Run anyway to launch the setup wizard.
The installation is very straightforward and the only step that you might want to change something on is where you choose which games you want to install. It will have them all selected by default, but you can uncheck any that you do not want to have installed. The internet games box is unchecked by default so that is up to you if you want to add those games as well.
After you make your selections and click on the Install button, the games will then be installed on your computer. You can then go to your start menu and find the Games folder and you will see the icons for all the games you installed within this folder.
Then you can simply click on the game you wish to play, and it will be loaded and you can enjoy your new classic Windows 7 games on your modern computer!
Windows 7 Classic Games FAQ
Will a Windows Update delete my classic games?
Standard security patches will not affect your games. However, when you install a major “Feature Update” (such as upgrading from version 23H2 to 24H2), Windows essentially reinstalls the operating system and cleans out unsupported legacy folders. You may need to run this installer again after a major Windows feature update.
Can I pin these games to my Windows 11 Taskbar?
Yes. Once installed, search for the game (e.g., “Minesweeper”) in the Start Menu, right-click the icon, and select Pin to taskbar for easy access.
Do these games look blurry on 4K monitors?
Because these games were designed in 2009, they do not have native high-DPI scaling. If they look blurry on a high-resolution display, right-click the game’s shortcut, select Properties, go to the Compatibility tab, and click Change high DPI settings to let the application control the scaling.
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