Windows 10: Solitaire Needs Annual Subscription

It has been a staple of Microsoft operating systems for years, a simple relaxing way to pass the time and relieve boredom.

But anyone trying to play solitaire on Windows 10 is now hit with a pop-up banner asking to pay to play the game without adverts.

The US version says a one-month, ad-free, upgrade costs $1.49, while a yearly subscription costs $9.99 (£6.40).

Users who do not pay will see 30-second video adverts between matches.

Tech websites criticised Microsoft's attempt to rake in extra cash.

PC Gamer wrote: "The ads in question aren't small banners that appear at the bottom of the screen while you play. They run over the full Solitaire window, some for 15 seconds and some for 30 seconds, and while they don't seem to pop up very often ... they can't be aborted."

Gizmodo wrote: "If you're a hardcore Solitairist it's probably worth the $10/year so you don't break your flow. But it just kinda sucks that something which used to come on your PC for free is now corrupted by ad buys."

Tech journalist Richard Stanton wrote on Twitter: "Solitaire is just a wee freebie that's come pre-installed with Windows for decades. Trying to 'monetise' it is daft."

Windows 10 was offered as a free upgrade to users of Windows 7 and 8.

One Twitter user, Lawrence Sonntag, wrote: "Windows 10 is free and all and that's cool but a BUCK FIFTY FOR SOLITAIRE F*** MICROSOFT."

Solitaire is now developed by a third-party studio, rather than Microsoft, and the extra payments are likely used to support the maintenance of the game.