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The iconic Windows XP wallpaper “Bliss”, taken by Charles O’Rear in 1996, has resurfaced on social media. The landscape has changed by 2025, sparking nostalgia.
News18
For millions who used computers in the early 2000s, a single image remains etched in memory – a serene landscape of rolling green hills beneath a brilliant blue sky, dotted with fluffy white clouds. This iconic photograph, known as “Bliss,” was the default wallpaper for Microsoft’s Windows XP, an operating system that defined an era of computing. But where was this picture taken, and how does the landscape appear today?
The image recently resurfaced on social media, sparking nostalgia among internet users. A post on the Instagram account @insidehistory reignited interest in the legendary wallpaper, reminding people of its origins and revealing what the location looks like in 2025.
The Birth of “Bliss”
The famous photograph was captured in 1996 by Charles O’Rear, a photographer working for National Geographic. Driving through Sonoma County in California, O’Rear noticed the landscape along Highway 12, where recent rains turned the rolling hills into a vibrant green paradise. The scene was so picturesque that he pulled over to snap the shot.
At the time, O’Rear was one of the few photographers using a digital licensing service called Corbis, which was owned by none other than Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Microsoft saw potential in the image and purchased it, ensuring that “Bliss” would become one of the most viewed photographs in history.
Contrary to popular belief, the photo was not heavily edited or digitally enhanced. The vibrant colours seen in Windows XP’s wallpaper were almost exactly as O’Rear had captured them, a testament to the natural beauty of the scene.
How the Iconic Location Looks Today
Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape has undergone a transformation. While the rolling hills still exist, the lush green grass has faded, and the once-brilliant blue sky appears more subdued. The area now features more trees and plant life, changing the overall aesthetic of the location.
See the viral post here:
Images shared on Instagram show a stark contrast between the past and present, illustrating how time and nature altered the famous scene. The viral post garnered more than 33,000 likes, with users reminiscing about their early computing days and marveling at how the landscape has changed.
While the “Bliss” of Windows XP may be a thing of the past, its legacy endures as one of the most iconic images in digital history – forever linked to an era when computers felt fresh, new, and full of possibilities.
