# The story of Minesweeper.

Source: https://online-minesweeper.com/history

For many of us, it started with a gray square, a smiling face, and one very surprising click. The appeal has always been simpler than the screen around it.

## From Windows PCs to touchscreens.

This short timeline follows Microsoft’s versions of Minesweeper: the familiar desktop puzzle and its later move to app stores and phones.

## 1992: The Windows 3.1 era.

Windows 3.1 arrived in 1992. Microsoft’s account of the Windows 3.0 and 3.1 generation highlights Minesweeper, Solitaire and Hearts among the games that helped bring Windows into home life. See [Microsoft’s Windows history (in German)](https://news.microsoft.com/de-de/features/windows-geschichte/).

## 2012: A place in the Windows Store.

On August 31, Microsoft named Microsoft Minesweeper in the first wave of Xbox games announced for Windows 8. The lineup was scheduled to become available from October 26 through the Windows Store, moving these games into app-store distribution. See the [Windows 8 games announcement](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2012/08/31/first-wave-of-xbox-games-for-windows-8-unveiled/).

## 2013: Minesweeper on Windows Phone.

On December 27, Microsoft announced its gaming classics for Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8. The Minesweeper release supported touch input, while the collection offered Xbox achievements, leaderboards and the ability to resume games across phones, PCs and tablets. See Microsoft’s [Windows Phone release announcement](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2013/12/27/microsoft-gaming-classics-solitaire-mahjong-and-minesweeper-arrive-on-windows-phone/).

## This independent browser version.

Online Minesweeper is a separate implementation and is not affiliated with Microsoft. It combines the covered-square puzzle with a 3D island, verified no-guess boards, Custom games and a board editor. Records stay in your browser. Explore the [game options](https://online-minesweeper.com/game-options) or learn the [rules and controls](https://online-minesweeper.com/how-to-play).