Microsoft has announced that it will discontinue Paint 3D, the software for creating 3D data, on November 4, 2024. Users who have already downloaded the app will still be able to use it, and if it’s deleted, it can be re-downloaded until November 4th. However, after that date, it will no longer be available for download from the Microsoft Store. Paint 3D, introduced with Windows 10, allowed users to create 3D objects and also supported 2D image creation. Initially, it was intended to replace the classic Paint app during the Windows 10 Creators Update, but both programs ended up coexisting. In contrast, Paint 3D was not included as a standard app in Windows 11, with Microsoft instead focusing on enhancing Paint with new features like layers and generative AI. Microsoft now suggests using Paint or Photos for editing 2D images and 3D Viewer for viewing 3D content.
The 3D graphics program was initially introduced in November 2016 as a replacement for the Paint application, debuting with Windows 10 Insider Build 14971.
Following its discontinuation, Microsoft recommends that users switch to Paint and Photos for viewing and editing 2D images and use 3D Viewer for 3D content.
Microsoft has announced that Paint 3D will be deprecated and removed from the Microsoft Store on November 4, 2024. While existing installations of Paint 3D will continue to function, the app will no longer be available for download after that date. Users who uninstall the app can reinstall it from the Microsoft Store until November 4, 2024.
Paint 3D was preinstalled on some Windows 10 devices but was not included as a default application on Windows 11.
Originally introduced as a modern alternative to the classic Paint app, Paint 3D’s removal is not surprising, especially given that it was never a standard feature on Windows 11. Over the past year, Microsoft has enhanced the classic Paint app with new features such as a background removal tool, support for layers and image transparency, and an AI-powered image generation feature called Paint Cocreator.
The announcement of Paint 3D’s end-of-support follows Microsoft’s decision five years ago to deprecate and remove the classic Windows Paint application with the Windows 10 Fall Creator’s Update in July 2017.
However, due to widespread support for the app, Microsoft chose not to remove it entirely but instead made it available for download through the Microsoft Store.
Last year, Microsoft also announced the deprecation of the WordPad basic text-editing application and began phasing out the Cortana voice assistant in Windows 11 Canary preview builds released in early August 2023.
