Microsoft issues fix for wallpaper bug on Windows 7

Even though Windows 7 is out of support, it received a fix for a wallpaper bug.

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What you need to know

Microsoft released an update that fixes the Windows 7 wallpaper bug that recently appeared for many people on Windows 7. The bug caused wallpapers set to “Stretch” to appear as solid black images rather than the image set by a person. Windows 7 is officially out of support, but since the bug was included in an update sent out by Microsoft, the company decided to ship the fix to everyone.

Because the operating system is out of support, people and businesses usually have to pay for extended support, but this update is available to anyone running Windows 7 SP1 and Server 2008 R2 SP1. Here’s the complete changelog for the update:

Asupport page from Microsoftbreaks down all the prerequisites for the update and important information about how to apply the update, including having to restart your device to apply the update.

Even though Windows 7officially fell out of supportlast month, many people still use it. A recent study shows thatWindows 7 is “nearly ubiquitous” at large companiesand the German government will have topay €800,000 for Extended Security Updates. Microsoft continues to push people towards Windows 10, but it could be a while before some organizations and people switch over.

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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.