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Microsoft’s Games Explorer — also known as the Games folder — is only a single click away every time you open Windows 7’s Start menu. It’s Microsoft’s interface to your PC games, but not every game appears here — and what is a «Game Provider,» anyway?
The short answer is that the Games folder is yet another forgotten Microsoft project. Microsoft included this feature as part of Windows Vista, left it alone in Windows 7, and buried it in Windows 8 — although it’s still there.
The Games Folder
The Games folder is also known as the Games Explorer. Microsoft calls it «the central repository for games on your computer» in their online Windows 7 documentation. They say it offers «game updates, statistics, news feeds, and more.»
This folder includes the games that come with Windows — think Solitaire and Minesweeper. It may also include links to a handful of third-party games you have installed, especially older ones created when Microsoft looked serious about this feature. At the moment, we have 23 Steam games installed on this computer and not a single one chooses to integrate with the Games Explorer.
Games Providers
The Games folder also includes «Game Providers.» By default, there’s only a «More Games from Microsoft» link here. It takes you to the Xbox Web Games page, offering free games you can play in your browser, but not download to your computer.
If you still have Microsoft’s now-shut-down Games for Windows Marketplace installed on your computer, it will appear here. Games for Windows Marketplace was associated with Games for Windows — LIVE. It was Microsoft’s attempt to set up a compelling digital storefront for PC games, but Microsoft didn’t do the work required and allowed Steam to take over.
None of the «game providers» most people care about today — Steam, Battle.net, Origin, GOG, and more — integrate with the Games Explorer. Microsoft’s original goal was to provide a central location for all the games and game stores installed on your computer, but they didn’t care to push it.
Games Folder Features
The Games Explorer offers a few more features, but it’s basically just a few extra things on top of a Windows Explorer window.
This interface displays ESRB ratings — which can be used by the Parental Controls feature to restrict access to mature games — and system requirements information. This leverages the Windows Experience Index to provide information about the recommended and required score, along with your system’s current score. The Windows Experience Index was removed in Windows 8.1 because it was a waste of system resources.
It also provides options for automatically downloading game updates — we’re not aware of any games that use this — as well as downloading news and game art.
These features could have been a good start for Microsoft to build on top of, but they never did.
Why Should You Care?
You shouldn’t care about the Games Explorer. In Windows 7, Microsoft was still pushing this feature, which is why it has its own prime location in the Start menu. In Windows 8, it has been completely hidden.
It hasn’t been removed from Windows 8 — you can still access it by pressing Windows Key + R, typing shell:games into the Run dialog, and pressing Enter. However, there’s no reason you’d ever want to use it — Microsoft’s own shortcuts are removed from here on Windows 8, so you’ll see an empty window unless you’ve installed a third-party game that integrates with the Games Explorer.
The Games Explorer was designed to list all your installed games, as well as provide news and updates for them. That’s a role now filled by Steam and other services. Even games that do appear in the Games Explorer will generally just provide a shortcut and some ratings or system performance data. They won’t actually update through here — that’s a role reserved for mature, supported services that haven’t been abandoned.
This feature still exists as part of Windows 7’s Start menu because Microsoft added it in Windows Vista and never did anything with it. If they kept developing it, it might have become a useful interface to all of your installed games — but it’s now something you should ignore.
Luckily, you can hide this menu option if you like. Right-click the taskbar, select Properties, click the Start Menu tab, click the Customize button, scroll down to Games and select Don’t display this item.
The Games folder is more than just the central repository for games on your computer. In Windows 7, the Games folder offers game updates, statistics, news feeds, and more.
Open the Games folder by clicking the Start button . In the search box, type games, and then, in the list of results, click Games Explorer.
This is what the Games folder looks like:
After you open the Games folder, you can start playing a game by double-clicking its icon.
If you don’t see games such as Minesweeper or Solitaire in the Games folder, they might have been turned off in your edition.
Watch this video to learn how to turn on Windows Games (0:48)
To turn on Windows Games
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Click the Start button , click Control Panel, click Programs, and then, under Programs and Features, click Turn Windows features on or off.
If you’re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. -
Select the Games check box, and then click OK.
Setting up the Games folder
The first time you open the Games folder you’ll be asked if you want to use the recommended update and folder settings. If you agree, Windows will automatically do the following:
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Notify you when game news or software updates are available
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Download art and information about the games on your computer (for example, genre or rating details)
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Show when you last played a game (visible only in some folder views)
Making sure your games have the latest updates helps ensure good performance. When automatic updating is turned on, information about the games on your computer is sent to Microsoft. We do not collect information that can be used to contact you. (To learn more, read the privacy statement online.)
Even if Windows doesn’t locate an update for your game, one might still be available. Some game publishers don’t make updates available to Microsoft immediately. If you’re experiencing problems with a game, or want to confirm your title is up to date, check the publisher’s website.
You can change your update settings at any time.
Show all
To turn automatic game updates on or off
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Open the Games folder by clicking the Start button . In the search box, type games, and then, in the list of results, click Games Explorer.
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Click Options.
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Click either Automatically check online for updates and news, then notify me when they’re available or Never check online for updates or news; I’ll do this manually.
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Click OK.
To change how the Games folder looks
You can change the size of the icons, and show more—or less—detail about your games.
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Open the Games folder by clicking the Start button . In the search box, type games, and then, in the list of results, click Games Explorer.
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Click the arrow next to the Views button.
The Views menu -
Move the slider to pick different views.
More help for games:
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Learn about games in Windows 7
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Where are my games?
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How can I tell if a game will run on this computer?
30.08.2009 20:30
Папка «Игры» в Windows 7 – это уже не просто папка, а целая система управления играми, включающая множество новых функций, в том числе – возможность настройки обновлений игр, поставляемых в комплекте с Windows 7.
Открытие папки «Игры» в Windows 7
В папку «Игры» можно войти, открыв меню Пуск и выбрав пункт Игры.
Если в вашем меню Пуск такого пункта нет, то нажмите правой кнопкой мыши на значок Пуск и в появившемся контекстном меню выберите Свойства.
В открывшемся окне Свойства панели задач и меню Пуск на вкладке Меню «Пуск» нажмите кнопку Настроить.
В окне Настройка меню Пуск найдите элемент Игры и выберите Отображать как меню или Отображать как ссылку.
Нажмите ОК, чтобы сохранить изменения.
Также папку Игры в Windows 7 можно запустить, если открыть меню Пуск, ввести в поисковую строку shell:Games и нажать Ввод.
Управление играми в Windows 7
Управление играми в Windows 7 осуществляется в горизонтальном меню папки «Игры», а также с помощью контекстного меню (при щелчке правой кнопкой мыши по значку игры).
Всего в комплекте Windows 7 поставляется 11 игр:
- Chess Titans;
- Mahjong Titans;
- Purble Place;
- Интернет-нарды;
- Интернет-пики;
- Интернет-шашки;
- Косынка;
- Паук;
- Сапер;
- Солитер;
- Червы.
Чтобы прочесть краткое описание игры, наведите курсор мыши на значок игры (если в параметрах папок включены всплывающие подсказки). Чтобы получить более детальную информацию о конкретной игре, запустите игру и нажмите клавишу F1.
Большинство игр имеют возможность настроек уровней сложности, внешнего вида и т.д. Чтобы настроить игру, запустите её и нажмите клавишу F5.
Чтобы играть в Интернет-игры, необходимо подключиться к Интернету и в настройках брандмауэра разрешить каждой игре входящие и исходящие соединения. После запуска, игра сама соединится с игровым сервером и найдет других игроков.
В случае, если ваш веб-оппонент покинет игру, его партию продолжит компьютер.
Чтобы исключить игру из списка, щелкните её значок правой кнопкой мыши и в появившемся контекстном меню выберите пункт Скрыть эту игру.
Чтобы снова включить отображение скрытых игр, в горизонтальном меню папки «Игры» нажмите кнопку Параметры и в открывшемся окне нажмите кнопку Показать все элементы.
Если некоторые или все игры, поставляемые с Windows 7, не отображаются в папке «Игры», то откройте Пуск -> Панель управления -> Программы и в разделе Программы и компоненты выберите Включение или отключение компонентов Windows.
Примечание. Некоторые игры Windows, например Chess Titans или «Интернет-шашки», присутствуют только в расширенных версиях Windows 7.
Обновления игр Windows 7
В отличие от предыдущих версий Windows, в Windows 7 появилась возможность включения поиска обновлений игр. По умолчанию поиск обновлений игр в Windows 7 отключен. Чтобы включить его, нажмите кнопку Параметры в горизонтальном меню папки «Игры».
В открывшемся окне выберите пункт Автоматическая проверка обновлений и новостей в Интернете с уведомлением об их наличии и нажмите ОК. Регулярное и своевременное обновление игр помогает улучшить их производительность.
Добавление других игр в папку «Игры»
Обычно совместимые с Windows 7 игры автоматически добавляются в папку «Игры». Если игра не добавилась автоматически, то просто перетащите исполняемый файл игры (.exe) в папку «Игры». Исполняемый файл игры находится в той папке, куда была установлена игра.
The Games folder is a special folder in Windows. If you browse with Windows Explorer, you can find it at “C:ProgramDataMicrosoftWindowsStart MenuProgramsGames”. By default, you should find its shortcut on the right-side of the Start Menu. NOTE: If it isn’t there, you need to enable its shortcut on the Start Menu.
How do I get my games back on Windows 7?
To enable these missing games in Windows 7 Professional Edition and Enterprise Editions, open the Control Panel > Programs and Features. In the left side pane, click Turn Windows Features on or off. Now in the window that pops up, look for and then expand Games – and then select the games you want or select all.
What are the default games for Windows 7?
Which Windows 7 Games are Included?
- Chess.
- FreeCell.
- Hearts.
- Mahjong.
- Minesweeper.
- Purple Place.
- Solitaire.
- SpiderSolitaire.
Do games still work on Windows 7?
If you run Windows 7, you’ll be able to play almost all games released for Windows XP or even older. Old games run smoother and more stable on Windows 7, but the opposite is true for newer titles. Granted, you can run many old games on Windows 10 after searching for a solution on a few forums.
Where can I find games folder?
Windows: On Windows, most save games can be found by opening File Explorer and going to “%homepath%\AppData\LocalLow”. From there you should be able to find a folder under the developer’s name for your game, such as DigitalContinue for Next Up Hero or Bloober Team for Layers of Fear.
Where is the games folder on PC?
How to access the Windows Apps folder in Windows 10
- Navigate to C:Program Files.
- Select View in the Menu and check the Hidden items box.
- Right-click on the Windows Apps folder and open Properties.
- Choose Security and then click on Advanced.
- Under the Owner, click Change.
How do I restore games on my computer?
Go to the Desktop and double-click on the Recycle Bin icon. Once the Recycle Bin window opens, check if it contains the deleted game file or not. If it’s there, right-click on it and select Restore. The game file should automatically reappear at the location where it was once saved.
How do I get my game back?
If you get a new Android phone, to restore game progress, sign in to the same account you used before….Clear storage of the Play Games app
- Open your device’s Settings app.
- Tap Apps & notifications.
- Scroll down and tap Google Play Games.
- Tap Storage.
- Reopen the Play Games app.
Why did Windows stop including games?
Microsoft wanted to promote its app store because now every platform has its own app store, mac,ubuntu,chrome os and even android so this would be lacking in the game of giants by not creating an app store. Though windows app store is very premature and doesnt have good apps and it is mainly for windows 8.
Which Windows 7 is best for PC?
The Best Version of Windows 7 For You Windows 7 Ultimate is the, well, ultimate version of Windows 7, containing all the features available in Professional and Home Premium, plus BitLocker technology. Windows 7 Ultimate also has the largest language support.
How do I enable missing games in Windows 7?
To enable these missing games in Windows 7 Professional Edition and Enterprise Editions, open the Control Panel > Programs and Features. In the left side pane, click Turn Windows Features on or off. Now in the window that pops up, look for and then expand Games – and then select the games you want or select all.
How do I Turn on games on Windows 7?
In the left side pane, click Turn Windows Features on or off. Now in the window that pops up, look for and then expand Games – and then select the games you want or select all. Click OK. Games are part of the Windows 7 operating system and are turned on by default (except in Windows 7 Pro Edition).
How do I uninstall or remove games from Windows 7?
Games are part of the Windows 7 operating system and are turned on by default (except in Windows 7 Pro Edition). There is no easy and safe way to completely delete or uninstall these built-in default games completely, but what you can certainly do is turn them off and remove access to them if you find them of little or no use.
How to turn games on or off in Windows 10?
To turn the games on, follow these steps: Method 1: Enable games. a. Click Start, in the Start Search box type “appwiz.cpl” and press Enter. b. Click on Turn Windows features on or off. c. Clear the checkmark before Games. d. Click on OK. e.
I originally published this article on my blog, Techtronica.
The games folder was introduced with Windows Vista and improved on Windows 7. It included games that came installed with Windows, like Chess and Solitaire, and it also added any new games you might have installed. The games folder also showed detailed information about the games, including high score, age ratings, and compatibility. If the developers allowed it, the games could be updated directly from the Games folder.
With Windows 8, however, the focus has changed, and, thus, the games folder has been hidden away. First of all, the games that came preinstalled with Windows Vista and 7 are no longer included on Windows 8. Secondly, with Windows 8, we are expected to organize apps, including games, differently. We would typically pin frequent apps and games on the start screen and access the rest from either by doing a ?Start Search? or from the ?All Apps? menu on the Start screen.
It is possible, however, to access the legacy Windows 7 Games folder in Windows 8. You may find it useful to organize any desktop games you have installed and get detailed information about your games. However, the Windows 7 games are not included in the Games Folder. Therefore, to access the Games Folder, you need to first install a Game you already own so Windows can automatically enable the Games Folder and put your games there.
Here?s how to get access to the Games Folder
- Install a game you own, preferably a commercial one, one that you acquired from a well-known vendor. Most retail games will work, including games that predate Windows Vista. For example, Roller Coaster Tycoon, a game from 1999, is still recognized by Windows and will work here.
- Once installed, open the ?All Apps? menu from in the start screen.
- From the ?All Apps? menu, locate a group called ?Games? (Note: this group will only be visible if you installed a game as specified in step 1.)
- Right-click on a game under the group ?Games? and click the ?Open File Location? button.
- This will open up the Windows 7 Games folder, with a listing of all of your games. You can manually add other games if Windows didn’t recognize them. You can also pin the folder to the taskbar for easy access.
There you go, Games Folder in Windows 8.