Microsoft Is Killing Off Its Paint Replacement; Classic Is Here To Stay

Image via Microsoft

Microsoft’s Paint 3D is about to fade into the pixel sunset as the tech giant has announced the retirement of the ambitious 3D creation tool.

Back in 2016, the company unveiled Paint 3D as part of the Windows 10 Creators Update, hoping to add a new dimension to the beloved Paint app. The idea was to bring 3D modeling to the masses, offering features like layers, transparency, and the ability to integrate 3D objects. It was a bold stroke in what could have been a colorful chapter in Windows history.

Despite its innovative approach, Paint 3D struggled to capture the imagination of Windows users. Many preferred the simpler features of the classic Paint app, which has been a staple of Windows since its early days. The original Paint’s straightforward interface and basic editing tools continued to be the go-to choice for quick image tweaks and doodles, forcing the company to keep both apps.

Now, as part of a broader effort to tidy up its app portfolio, Microsoft has decided to put Paint 3D out to pasture. Come November 4, 2024, the app will vanish from the Microsoft Store and cease to receive updates.

This move follows the retirement of other Windows 10-era apps like Cortana, Mail & Calendar, and the Tips app, as the company sharpens its focus on core applications and new features for Windows 11.

While the app showcased Microsoft’s ambition to evolve its software offerings, it ultimately failed to resonate with the majority of users who found its advanced features unnecessary for everyday tasks.

As the tech behemoth bids adieu to Paint 3D, it continues to support and refresh the classic Paint app in Windows 11. 

[via Windows Central, PCMag, TechSpot, cover image via Microsoft]