To play Microsoft Solitaire Collection, install it from Microsoft Store on Windows, open the game, select Play, and choose one of its five modes: Klondike, Spider, FreeCell, Pyramid, or TriPeaks. Each mode uses different rules, so start with the one-card Klondike or one-suit Spider if you want a gentler introduction.
Install and start the game on Windows
- Open the Microsoft Solitaire Collection page in Microsoft Store.
- Select Install and wait for the download to finish.
- Launch Microsoft Solitaire Collection and select Play. Microsoft Support also explains how to pin the game to the taskbar or Start menu for easier access: Microsoft’s Windows installation instructions.
- Choose a mode. You can try Daily Challenges once you are comfortable with the controls.
The installation steps above are for Windows; the interface and availability can differ on other platforms. The Xbox listing says signing in with a Microsoft or Xbox account can save progress and support play across devices. Check the listing for your region and platform for current details.
Choose a mode
Microsoft Solitaire Collection has five core modes. Use this comparison to find a starting point; the beginner cues are practical suggestions, not guarantees of winning.
| Mode | How it works | Good first approach |
|---|---|---|
| Klondike | Build card sequences through the tableau and foundations. Choose draw-one or draw-three, with traditional or Vegas scoring. | Start with draw-one. Prioritize moves that uncover face-down cards, and be cautious about sending a card to a foundation if it would block a useful tableau sequence. |
| Spider | Work through eight columns, forming sequences to clear cards while using as few moves as possible. | Begin with one suit, then try two or all four suits as you gain confidence. |
| FreeCell | Use four temporary cells to move cards while working to clear the tableau. | Keep cells open when possible so you have room to rearrange cards. |
| Pyramid | Remove available pairs whose values add up to 13. A King counts as 13 and can be removed by itself under the standard rule. | Scan exposed cards for legal pairs before making a move. |
| TriPeaks | Clear cards by selecting one rank above or below the current sequence card; clearing cards earns points. | Consider which card you will be able to play next before choosing from the board. |
How to play each mode
Klondike: build toward the foundations
Klondike is the traditional solitaire format many players have in mind when they say “Solitaire.” Arrange cards in the tableau and build the foundations, choosing draw-one or draw-three and traditional or Vegas scoring. If you are learning, draw-one gives you a simpler way to see available cards. Look for moves that reveal face-down cards; a move that fills a foundation is not always helpful if it prevents a useful tableau sequence.
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Spider: form sequences in the columns
Spider uses eight columns. The goal is to clear the cards while aiming to use as few moves as possible. Starting with a single suit makes it easier to form sequences; once the rules feel familiar, try two suits or all four.
FreeCell: plan around four temporary spaces
FreeCell gives you four extra cells for temporarily holding cards as you rearrange the tableau. Think of each open cell as flexibility: filling them all can leave fewer options for moving cards, so keep some available when you can.
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Pyramid: pair cards to make 13
Remove available pairs that total 13. Scan the exposed cards for a legal pair; a King is worth 13 and can be removed alone under the standard Pyramid rule. Microsoft describes the core mechanic as pairing two cards that add up to 13 to remove them from the board.
TriPeaks: move one rank up or down
Choose a card that is one rank higher or lower than the current sequence card to clear it. The mode awards points as you clear cards, so consider how a choice affects the next card you may be able to play.
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Try Daily Challenges after learning the controls
Daily Challenges are a separate way to play alongside the five core modes. They are a useful next choice if you want a different goal after learning the basic moves in a mode.
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