Feeling Nostalgic? Bring Back Classic Games in Windows 10

Windows 10 is out for almost a month now and everyone’s having second thoughts about at least a feature, or lack of one. For instance, those Classic games that were the perfect time wasters got removed, but this happened back with Windows 8.

The guys over at Microsoft decided to revive the critically acclaimed Solitaire with the release of Windows 10. However, there’s a catch to it, and if you somehow manage to get it for free, there’s a lot of advertising to live with.

Luckily, someone decided to extract the Microsoft games you were able to play back in Windows 7 and bundle them in an installer that can deploy them in Windows 10. Grabbing and installing the games pack requires little effort and time, so we’re going to take a look at how to install and easily access them.

Installing classic games on Windows 10

First of all, you need to grab the package from somewhere, so head over to the MDL (My Digital Life) Forum and select a download link. Note that you need to sign up for the forum, and some download links might also require registration. Don’t worry, services are free and won’t bother you later on.

Step 1: Extract the package and run the Setup file.

Step 2: You can install the package in other languages besides English, and you can choose from over 20 different ones.

Step 3: All games are checked by default and you can manually choose what to install. Your options are: Chess Titans, FreeCell, Hearts, Mahjong Titans, Minesweeper, Purble Place, Solitaire, Spider Solitaire, as well as Internet Backgammon, Checkers, and Spades. Sadly, Space Pinball didn’t make it on the list.

Step 4: Now just press Start and at least one entry should be added in the left panel.

Where do I find classic games once they’re installed?

Not only does this package install the missing games, but it also makes Games Explorer a relevant location again. By default, game shortcuts can be found there, but the fastest way to launch them is through a simple search. Needless to say that there are several ways to create quick access points and shortcuts.

Use Win + S to search for Games, and launch Games Explorer. The initial launch asks for general info regarding automatic game updates, and whether or not to grab art and information online.

How can I quickly access my games?

Any way you want, of course. You don’t need to install any other Microsoft service or third-party components. Here’s what you can do:

Pin to Taskbar: Launch Game Explorer and right-click a preferred game to Pin to Taskbar. This can also be done by dragging them over the Taskbar.

Pin to Start: Search for Games using Win + S. Don’t run Games Explorer! Instead, right-click it and choose to Open File Location. Now, right-click a game of interest and choose to Pin to Start. This must be done individually, because selecting them all only pins the game you right-click on.

Launch Games Explorer via Hotkey: Open the Games Explorer location again and press Backspace once you’re there. Additionally, you can navigate to this location: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs. Identify the Games folder and right-click it do Sent To Desktop. Right-click the Games - shortcut folder on your desktop to access Properties. Switch to the Shortcut tab (although you’re taken there by default), and add a custom hotkey in the Shortcut Key field. Whenever you press the key combination, Games Explorer launches.

Creating a Toolbar: Right-click the Taskbar and from the Toolbars menu, choose to create New Toolbar. Paste in this C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Games inside the address field or navigate with the browse dialog that pops up. Now Select Folder and you have a Games toolbar on your Taskbar. Note that some careful arrangement might be required to position the new toolbar.

Add to Quick Access: Navigate to this location C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs and identify the Games folder. Right-click it and choose to Pin to Quick Access. Now you can launch games from the left pane, regardless of the folder you’re in.

Include in Libraries: In case you’re still using Libraries, you might want to know Games Explorer can be pinned there as well. Navigate to the C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs folder. Right-click Games, and when you Include in Library, choose Create New Library. The left navigation pane automatically displays the new entry.

What about the Windows 10 Solitaire?

The new Solitaire game that got revived with Windows 10 is usually installed along with the OS. If not, fire up the Store and look for Microsoft Solitaire Collection. It’s also found under this name in your Start Menu when it’s installed.

You’re asked for your Microsoft account when trying to play Microsoft Solitaire Collection, but there’s also the option to Play as Guest in case you’re using a local account and don’t want to have it synchronized.

You’re not forced to keep the new Solitaire on your computer. If you want to remove it, simply bring up the Start Menu, right-click Microsoft Solitaire Collection, and choose to Uninstall.

In conclusion

There are a lot of old features we were hoping to see revived in Windows 10, and although Microsoft only decided to do this with Solitaire, there always seems to be a way. Nonetheless Windows has changed throughout the years and ditched many of its utilities. For instance, gadgets aren’t available since Windows 7, but you can check this guide on how to make gadgets work in Windows 10.