If you're a Windows user, you've probably seen the iconic default wallpaper that comes with the operating system. It's a serene landscape with rolling green hills and a bright blue sky, with fluffy white clouds scattered throughout. But do you know the story behind this widely recognized desktop background?
The image was taken by photographer Charles O'Rear in 1996, while he was driving through California's wine country. It was originally used as part of a photo series called "Bliss," which featured peaceful and idyllic landscapes.
When Microsoft was looking for the perfect image to use as the default wallpaper for their new operating system, Windows XP, they stumbled upon O'Rear's photo and fell in love with it. The image was then digitally enhanced to make the colors more vibrant and eye-catching.
Since its release in 2001, the Windows XP default wallpaper has become one of the most recognized and beloved images in the world. It has been featured in countless advertisements, parodies, and even inspired a popular meme known as the "Bliss meme."
But the image's impact goes beyond just its popularity. It has also sparked discussions about the relationship between technology and nature, with some praising its calming effect and others criticizing it for promoting a detached and artificial view of the world.
Nevertheless, the Windows XP default wallpaper remains a symbol of simplicity, beauty, and the ever-evolving world of technology. Whether you're a fan of Microsoft or not, there's no denying the impact that this image has had on our culture and our perception of the digital world.
So the next time you see this familiar wallpaper on your computer screen, take a moment to appreciate the story behind it and the role it has played in shaping our modern society.
Experience the origin of the Microsoft's Windows XP default wallpaper and add a touch of nostalgia to your desktop today. Browse our collection of beautiful and optimized wallpapers in the Default Windows Wallpapers category, featuring the iconic Bliss image and many other stunning landscapes. With high-quality resolution and easy download options, you can enhance your desktop with a piece of computer history in just a few clicks. Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of digital culture. Shop now and elevate your desktop experience!
ID of this image: 179510. (You can find it using this number).
How To Install new background wallpaper on your device
For Windows 11
- Click the on-screen Windows button or press the Windows button on your keyboard.
- Click Settings.
- Go to Personalization.
- Choose Background.
- Select an already available image or click Browse to search for an image you've saved to your PC.
For Windows 10 / 11
You can select “Personalization” in the context menu. The settings window will open. Settings> Personalization>
Background.
In any case, you will find yourself in the same place. To select another image stored on your PC, select “Image”
or click “Browse”.
For Windows Vista or Windows 7
Right-click on the desktop, select "Personalization", click on "Desktop Background" and select the menu you want
(the "Browse" buttons or select an image in the viewer). Click OK when done.
For Windows XP
Right-click on an empty area on the desktop, select "Properties" in the context menu, select the "Desktop" tab
and select an image from the ones listed in the scroll window.
For Mac OS X
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From a Finder window or your desktop, locate the image file that you want to use.
-
Control-click (or right-click) the file, then choose Set Desktop Picture from the shortcut menu. If you're using multiple displays, this changes the wallpaper of your primary display only.
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If you don't see Set Desktop Picture in the shortcut menu, you should see a sub-menu named Services instead. Choose Set Desktop Picture from there.
For Android
- Tap and hold the home screen.
- Tap the wallpapers icon on the bottom left of your screen.
- Choose from the collections of wallpapers included with your phone, or from your photos.
- Tap the wallpaper you want to use.
- Adjust the positioning and size and then tap Set as wallpaper on the upper left corner of your screen.
- Choose whether you want to set the wallpaper for your Home screen, Lock screen or both Home and lock
screen.
For iOS
- Launch the Settings app from your iPhone or iPad Home screen.
- Tap on Wallpaper.
- Tap on Choose a New Wallpaper. You can choose from Apple's stock imagery, or your own library.
- Tap the type of wallpaper you would like to use
- Select your new wallpaper to enter Preview mode.
- Tap Set.
