Microsoft appears to be trimming its portfolio of legacy Windows applications, focusing on the ones that continue to see active use. Following the recent deprecation of WordPad, another app is now slated for retirement by year’s end and will no longer be updated.
The app in question is Paint 3D, Microsoft’s modernized version of the classic Paint program that debuted in 2016. When we first tested Paint 3D in 2017, we found it to be a surprisingly fun and capable tool.
Just a few days ago, X/Twitter user @phantomofearth discovered a banner within the app that announced its upcoming removal from the Microsoft Store and deprecation starting on November 4, 2024:
Paint 3D now has a banner stating that it will no longer receive updates or be available in the Microsoft Store starting on November 4th.
Why Paint 3D is Being Phased Out
While Microsoft hasn’t officially stated why Paint 3D is being discontinued, a Microsoft Vendor suggested that the app didn’t gain enough traction among users. Most people, it seems, prefer the simplicity of the original Paint app.
This rationale makes sense, as Microsoft would naturally want to allocate resources to the software that users find most valuable. Already, Windows Insiders are testing new features in the classic Paint app, including updated size controls for pens and brushes, along with improved eraser functions.
Unfortunately, the classic Paint remains a 2D tool, lacking the depth and versatility of Paint 3D. For those who appreciated Paint 3D’s user-friendly approach to 3D design, the loss is notable. Users may now need to consider more complex alternatives like Blender.
Why Paint 3D Will Be Missed
Paint 3D brought a fresh twist to the beloved Windows image editor, adding the ability to create, rotate, and manipulate objects in 3D. Users could also enhance their projects with various effects and backgrounds, making their creations more vivid.
Initially, Paint 3D was meant to replace the classic Paint entirely, but both applications coexisted for years. In 2021, Microsoft stopped pre-installing Paint 3D, requiring users to download it from the Microsoft Store, hinting at the app’s eventual phase-out.
Despite this, the official announcement of Paint 3D’s end is unexpected, especially with such a short timeline. With only three months left until its removal, the news has taken many by surprise.