Microsoft tried to kill Paint in Windows for a successor nobody wanted, then killed the successor
windowslatest.com Sep 14, 2026

Microsoft tried to kill Paint in Windows for a successor nobody wanted, then killed the successor

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Microsoft’s classic Paint survived two attempts to replace it, first by declaring it deprecated in 2017 and promoting Paint 3D as a “3D for everyone” successor. User backlash forced a rapid reversal, keeping Paint alive and moving it to the Microsoft Store, while Paint 3D lingered until its deprecation in August 2024 and removal from the Store in November 2024. The final vestige of the 3D push, 3D Viewer, was announced for removal in July 2026, ending the Creators Update’s 3D ambitions. Meanwhile, Paint received substantial upgrades, including layers, background removal, a project file format, and AI tools such as Generative Erase, Image Creator, and Copilot‑powered features, turning the legacy app into an AI‑enhanced graphics hub.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The shift shows Microsoft can revive legacy software by integrating AI, turning a nostalgic utility into a modern creative platform.