Microsoft Solitaire Collection has been on Windows for years, and it is still going strong in 2026. It packs five different solitaire games into one app. This guide shows you what is inside and how to start winning.
- The collection bundles five games: Klondike, Spider, FreeCell, Pyramid, and TriPeaks.
- It comes free with Windows, and you can also play on phones and the web.
- Daily challenges and events give you fresh puzzles and rewards.
- Each game has its own rules, so learn them one at a time.
What the collection includes
Microsoft Solitaire Collection is one app with five separate card games. It ships free with Windows, so most PC users already have it. There are also apps for phones and tablets.
The app tracks your wins, your streaks, and how you do in daily events. You do not need every feature to have fun, though. At its heart it is just five classic games in one tidy place. You can play those same games free in your browser too, with no download, on our games list.
The five games explained
Each game plays differently. Here is a quick look so you know what to expect.
| Game | Main goal | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Klondike | Build four suits Ace to King | Medium |
| Spider | Clear same-suit runs King to Ace | Hard |
| FreeCell | Sort all cards using four free cells | Medium |
| Pyramid | Pair cards that add up to 13 | Medium |
| TriPeaks | Clear three peaks in a row | Easy |
Klondike is the classic most people picture when they hear "solitaire." Try it on our Klondike page to get the feel. When you want a bigger test, Spider Solitaire uses two decks and rewards patience. For a game where nearly every card is visible, FreeCell is the thinking player's pick.
Daily challenges and events
One reason people keep coming back is the daily content. Every day you get a fresh set of hand-picked puzzles across the five games. Beat them and you earn badges.
There are also longer events that run for a week or so with themed rewards. None of it is required to enjoy the games, but the daily puzzles are a nice way to build a habit and improve. A short daily puzzle is one of the easiest ways to sharpen your play without a big time commitment.
How to get started in 2026
Getting in is quick. Follow these steps.
- On Windows, open the Start menu and search for "Solitaire." The app is likely already there.
- If it is missing, grab it free from the Microsoft Store.
- Open the app and pick a game from the main menu. Klondike is the friendliest start.
- Sign in with a Microsoft account if you want your stats and streaks saved across devices.
You do not have to sign in to play. It only helps if you want your progress to follow you from your PC to your phone.
Tips to win across all five
Every game has its own tricks, but a few ideas help everywhere.
- Read the rules for a game before your first hand. Each one scores and wins differently.
- Flip and free hidden cards early so you have more choices.
- Think one or two moves ahead instead of grabbing the first move you see.
- Use undo to learn. Trying a move and taking it back teaches you the board.
Spider and FreeCell reward planning the most. Our guides on Spider strategy and the difference between Klondike and Spider can shorten your learning curve.
Play the Microsoft Solitaire games anywhere
Microsoft Solitaire Collection is a solid, free way to enjoy five card games in 2026, whether on your PC, phone, or tablet. Learn each game one at a time, lean on daily puzzles to practice, and plan your moves instead of rushing. And if you ever want the same games with no app to open, you can play Klondike, Spider, FreeCell, and more right in your browser, free and with no download.