Microsoft issues fix for wallpaper bug on Windows 7

Windows 7 Out Of Support
Windows 7 Out Of Support (Image credit: Microsoft)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft issued a fix for the Windows 7 wallpaper bug.
  • The update is generally available even though Windows 7 is officially out of support.
  • Many businesses and people still use Windows 7 even though it's out of support.

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:

  • Addresses an issue that might cause your wallpaper that is set to Stretch to display as black. Important Before you apply this update, see the "Prerequisites" section.

A support page from Microsoft breaks 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 7 officially fell out of support last month, many people still use it. A recent study shows that Windows 7 is "nearly ubiquitous" at large companies and the German government will have to pay €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.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.