To mark its 50th anniversary, Microsoft is diving into retro vibes with a special-edition pair of Crocs inspired by Windows XP. The footwear sports a light blue upper paired with green soles, reminiscent of the legendary Bliss wallpaper that defined the XP desktop experience.
As reported by The Verge, these nostalgic Crocs are currently being offered exclusively to Microsoft employees through internal orders, priced at $80. The report highlights that staff members get early access before the shoes are released globally.
The Crocs come accessorized with six themed Jibbitz charms, including the MSN butterfly, a classic mouse cursor, and none other than Clippy—the infamous virtual assistant. To top it off, buyers will also receive a matching drawstring bag adorned with the iconic Bliss background image.
Remembering the Windows XP Background:
The signature background of Windows XP—a scenic shot of green hills under a bright blue sky—was originally a stock image captured in California.
Microsoft purchased the rights to the photo and set it as the default wallpaper on countless PCs worldwide.
Over time, this serene landscape became one of the most widely seen photos in history, instantly familiar to users across the globe.
Info for Windows 10 users:
If you are a Windows 10 user, let us remind you that Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support status on 14 October 2025. This means that after this date, technical assistance, updates, and security will no longer be available for the platform, which leaves only a few options.
The first is to upgrade to Windows 11 if your device supports it. This update is free for current owners of Windows 10 devices. Alternatively, you can keep using Windows 10 and still get support by using the Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme.
The Windows ESU (Extended Security Updates) program is intended for users who prefer to continue using Windows 10 rather than transitioning to Windows 11 for now.