How to Get Classic Solitaire for Windows 10

Ever since Windows 3.0 was released in 1990, a free version of solitaire has been included with the Windows operating system. In fact, it was once the most-used application for Windows.

Windows 10 has a collection of versions of Solitaire, but it's not pre-installed. If you are nostalgic for the virtual card game, you can get classic solitaire for Windows 10. Knowing where to look is the key.

What Is Classic Solitaire?

Solitaire is actually a name referring to any card game played by a single person with a single deck of cards. Classic solitaire is a specific version, also known as Klondike.

In classic solitaire, 28 cards are dealt face-down into seven columns with one card in the first column, two in the second, and so on, up to seven cards in the seventh column. The final card in each column is turned face up and gameplay begins with the player turning up three cards from the top of the remaining deck. The top card of the three is used to build on the columns, if possible.

The object of the game is to build four suits from aces up through kings.

Microsoft Solitaire Collection Is Not Installed

The bad news is Microsoft does not pre-install any versions of solitaire in a typical Windows 10 installation. The good news is it's free to download and use. So if you haven't already installed solitaire on your computer, here's what you'll need to do.

1. Go to the Microsoft Solitaire Collection page in the Microsoft Store.

2. Select the Get button.

3. Select Open Microsoft Store to continue if prompted.

4. Download the app.

How to Get Classic Solitaire for Windows 10

Once solitaire is installed on your computer, finding the Microsoft Solitaire Collection is super easy.

1. Type solitaire into the Windows 10 search box near the Start button.

2. Select Microsoft Solitaire Collection under Apps. The application will open.

   To keep the game readily accessible, select Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar prior to opening the app.

3. Select Classic Solitaire Klondike, which is the first version listed. The game will open.

4. For an old-school, fullscreen effect, select the Full-Screen View icon in the upper-right corner of the window.

5. To deal a new game of solitaire, select the New Game (+) button in the lower-right corner of the screen.

6. Select Options at the bottom of the screen to customize your game settings. Choices include:

   • Cards per draw (while classic Klondike uses three, you can opt for one at a time if you prefer).
   • Scoring type.
   • Timer on or off.
   • Sound effects and music.
   • Hints and alerts.
   • Animations.
   • Difficulty options.
   • Show or hide tutorials.

   Select the Reset Settings button to restore default settings at any time.

7. Select the Cards button at the bottom of the window to choose a different card design.

8. Select the Hint button to receive a hint if you are stuck.

9. Select the Undo button to undo the most recent move.

Other Ways to Play Solitaire on Windows 10

The Microsoft Store offers a few other versions of solitaire for download. Access the store easily from your desktop and search for solitaire games to see what is available.

1. Type Store into the Windows 10 search box near the Start button.

2. Open the Microsoft Store app.

3. Select Search in the upper-right section of the app window and type solitaire into the Search box.

4. Select one of the results to view details or to download the game.