Windows 11 art lovers, take note: Paint 3D’s days are numbered – so make sure you download it from the Microsoft Store while you still can

A bearded man sitting at a table that has a laptop and a second monitor
(Image credit: Shutterstock/Zamrznuti tonovi)

I was alarmed to learn that Microsoft’s ditching one of its Paint apps in Windows 11 (and 10) - until I discovered that the application on the chopping block was Paint 3D.

In case you didn’t realize, there are two Paint apps for Windows 11: Paint, a modernized version of the classic app, and Paint 3D which was served up as its replacement way back in 2016, the idea being that it enabled you to use 3D features in your creations.

However, Microsoft never managed to fully get behind Paint 3D, and it fell by the wayside - in fact, the software was dropped from the roster of default apps in Windows 10 early in 2021. While you can still download Paint 3D from the Microsoft Store in Windows 11 (or 10) today, soon, that won’t be the case.

As leaker PhantomOfEarth on X noticed - along with Windows Latest - there’s a new warning banner that has appeared informing Windows 11 users of Paint 3D’s imminent removal from the store.

The warning notification reads: “Paint 3D won’t be available in the Microsoft Store or receive future updates starting on November 4, 2024.” 

This is followed by a ‘Learn more’ link which leads to a web page where Microsoft provides more information and confirms the date that Paint 3D will no longer be available on both Windows 11 and Windows 10. 

Paint 3D is looking rather shabby these days

At this point, there’s doubtless only a small niche of Windows users who are Paint 3D fans - although they will no doubt be upset by the news of the app’s demise.

That said, Microsoft has not been giving Paint 3D any attention for a long time going by some of the reviews on the Microsoft Store, which complain about the poor maintenance of the app. One common beef with Paint 3D is the app no longer appearing in the flyout menu when right-clicking on an image and going to the ‘Open with…’ option, meaning that opening an image is a much clunkier process.

If you’re interested in dipping your toes into 3D image editing, and have been mulling over using Paint 3D, then you better download and install the app from the Microsoft Store while you still can. Despite the mentioned complaints, the overall rating of the app is pretty high. Indeed, you never know, if Microsoft hears enough noise being made about Paint 3D being totally canned, maybe it’ll change its mind - and bring Paint 3D back as an optional app in the Microsoft Store.

After all, Microsoft pretty rapidly reversed course with its predecessor and my personal favorite childhood app, Paint.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...

Computing Writer

Kristina is a UK-based Computing Writer, and is interested in all things computing, software, tech, mathematics and science. Previously, she has written articles about popular culture, economics, and miscellaneous other topics.

She has a personal interest in the history of mathematics, science, and technology; in particular, she closely follows AI and philosophically-motivated discussions.

Read more
A woman sitting in a chair looking at a Windows 11 laptop
If you're waiting for Windows 12 I have bad news: Microsoft is seemingly focused on cramming even more AI into Windows 11 instead
A Microsoft Surface Laptop being shown at Microsoft's Copilot Plus PC Showcase
Microsoft is officially cutting support for Office apps on Windows 10, so update now
Windows 11 Live Wallpaper Leaked Images
I love the look of these dynamic wallpapers that were supposedly for Windows 11 – but the idea has been scrapped
Microsoft Paint Copilot
Microsoft Paint brushes up on AI
Windows 10's grave
Microsoft turns up the heat on Windows 10 diehards, hinting that free upgrade to Windows 11 could be ditched later this year (Update: Microsoft clarifies)
A finger touching a screen showing the Windows 11 logo
5 reasons why I’m finally upgrading to Windows 11 in January
Latest in Windows
Printer
No, your printer isn't possessed: a Windows 11 23H2 bug could be making it print random characters when connected via USB
Man having Windows 11 problems with his laptop
Fed up of adverts creeping into Windows 11? You won’t like Microsoft’s latest update, then, although it does provide some important bug fixes
Acer Aspire 14 AI laptop display showing the Windows 11 login screen
Shock, horror – I’m not going to argue with Microsoft’s latest bit of nagging in Windows 11, as this pop-up is justified
A laptop on a desk with the Windows 11 background on its screen.
Microsoft is adding image editing and compression to its Windows Share feature - and I couldn't be happier
AOC Agon Pro AG276FK gaming monitor tilted slightly to the side, showing the Windows desktop screen
Windows 11 users get ready for more ‘recommendations’ from Microsoft – but I’m relieved to say these suggestions might actually be useful
Microsoft Store logo on a blurred background
There's finally a fix for an annoying Microsoft Store bug that's older than Windows 11
Latest in News
Google Gemini Flash 2.0 Images
I tried Gemini's new AI image generation tool - here are 5 ways to get the best art from Google's Flash 2.0
An image of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra from a hands-on event
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could resurrect an intriguing camera feature
Eurocom Raptor X18
At $15,000, this massive 256GB RAM laptop makes Apple's MacBook Pro look affordable, tiny and very, very slow
Cristin Milioti in Black Mirror season 7
Netflix launches trailer for Black Mirror season 7, giving us a look at its first-ever sequel episode and an unexpected returning character
A graphic of the PC Gaming Show
Get ready for a bounty of PC games on June 8, as the PC Gaming show is back
A close up of The Daily podcast from Pocket Casts' web page
‘Podcasting shouldn’t be locked behind walled gardens’: Pocket Casts slams Spotify and makes its web player free to all