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Microsoft deprecated Paint 3D in August 2024 and removed it from the Microsoft Store on November 4, 2024. Some Windows 10 devices had Paint 3D preinstalled, but Windows 11 devices did not. Store removal does not mean existing copies were immediately erased, though Microsoft’s documentation does not promise how long they will keep working or receive updates.
Microsoft directs users to classic Paint for 2D image viewing and editing, and 3D Viewer for viewing 3D content. Those recommendations do not establish a full replacement for Paint 3D’s 3D editing and creation features.
What happened to Paint 3D?
Microsoft lists Paint 3D as deprecated in August 2024 and says it was removed from the Microsoft Store on November 4, 2024. Some Windows 10 devices had the app preinstalled; Windows 11 devices did not. These facts do not mean that every previously installed copy disappeared when the Store listing was removed.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →If Paint 3D is already installed, the Store delisting alone does not show that it was automatically removed. However, the sources available here do not guarantee that existing copies will continue working indefinitely or receive updates. Avoid uninstalling it until you have checked your files and tested any replacement you need.
#1 Best Overall
- Battery-Free Pen: StarG640 drawing tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XPPen advanced Battery-free PN01 stylus does not require charging, allowing for constant uninterrupted Draw and Play, making lines flow quicker and smoother, enhancing overall performance
- Ideal for Online Education: XPPen G640 graphics tablet is designed for digital drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures, online teaching, remote work, photo editing, it's compatible with Microsoft Office apps like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Zoom, Xsplit etc. Works perfect than a mouse, visually present your handwritten notes, signatures precisely
- Compact and Portable: The G640 art tablet is only 2 mm thick, it's as slim as all primary level graphic tablets, allowing you to carry it with you on the go
- Chromebook Supported: XPPen G640 digital drawing tablet is ready to work seamlessly with Chromebook devices now, so you can create information-rich content and collaborate with teachers and classmates on Google Jamboard’s whiteboard; Take notes quickly and conveniently with Google Keep, and effortlessly sketch diagrams with the Google Canvas
- Multipurpose Use: Designed for playing OSU! Game, digital drawing, painting, sketch, sign documents digitally, this writing tablet also compatible with Microsoft Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and more. Create mind-maps, draw diagrams or take notes as replacement for mouse
Was Paint 3D supposed to replace classic Paint?
Paint 3D was a newer creativity app that combined familiar 2D tools with 3D creation and manipulation. Some contemporary coverage framed it as a successor to classic Paint, but the available evidence does not show Microsoft formally declaring that the original app had been replaced.
Classic Paint survived and continued to receive development after Paint 3D was removed from the Store. That supports describing Paint 3D as an unsuccessful successor strategy, but not claiming that Microsoft publicly identified one definitive reason for retiring it.
You can read Microsoft’s original 2017 explanation in its announcement that Paint was staying.
Rank #2
- Customize Your Workflow: The 6 customizable press keys on Huion H640P drawing tablet for pc let you assign your most-used commands—like undo, zoom, brush switch, or save—so you can keep your hands on the tablet and your mind on the art. Whether you're a digital painter switching brushes, or a comic artist zooming in and out, these keys keep your workflow smooth and uninterrupted. Plus, the Huion driver lets you save different shortcut profiles for different apps, so you never have to reconfigure when switching software.
- Professional Pen Performance: Huion H640P drawing pad for computer comes with the battery-free PW100 stylus that's always ready when inspiration strikes. With 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, every light sketch, or bold stroke responds naturally to your hand—just like a real pen. The 5080 LPI resolution and 233 PPS report rate deliver lag-free, precise strokes, so you can draw confidently without second-guessing your cursor. The pen side buttons help you switch between pen and eraser instantly.
- Compact and Portable: Huion H640P computer graphics tablet features a compact, ultra-portable design at just 0.3 inches thin and 0.61 lbs light, so it slides easily into your backpack—perfect for sketching in coffee shops, taking notes in class, or editing on the go between home and studio. The 6x4 inch active area offers enough room for natural pen movements while fitting comfortably on crowded desks, or lecture hall seats.
- Stable Compatibility: Huion H640P graphic drawing tablet works seamlessly with Mac, Windows, Linux PCs, and Android smartphones/tablets (OS version 6.0 or later). Left-handed friendly, and you just need to flip the tablet and adjust the settings in the driver. Please note: H640P does NOT support iPhone/iPad.
- Move Beyond the Mouse: Huion Inspiroy H640P is a pen tablet that replaces your mouse for more natural, precise control. Freehand draw, take notes, or even play OSU—everything you do with a mouse, you can do better with a pen. The precise tip makes it ideal for detailed photo editing, graphic design, or signing PDF. Meanwhile, the ergonomic pen grip helps you avoid the strain that comes from hours of using a mouse.
How the two apps’ paths diverged
- Paint 3D was introduced as a creativity app. It brought together 2D tools and accessible 3D creation features.
- Classic Paint remained available. Paint 3D’s arrival did not itself establish that classic Paint had been discontinued.
- Availability differed by Windows version. Paint 3D had been preinstalled on some Windows 10 devices, but was not preinstalled on Windows 11 devices.
- Paint continued to develop. Microsoft described new Paint features in a Windows Insider post dated November 6, 2024, after Paint 3D’s Store removal.
- Paint 3D was deprecated and delisted. Microsoft’s documentation gives August 2024 as the deprecation date and November 4, 2024 as the Store removal date.
The November 2024 Paint feature announcements are evidence of continued development at that time, not a complete description of current features or availability. Microsoft’s post described rollout conditions for AI features, including device, account, regional, or Insider eligibility for some features.
Why did Microsoft retire Paint 3D?
The available evidence confirms the deprecation and Store removal dates, but does not establish a specific reason for Microsoft’s decision. It does not support claims about user counts, popularity, maintenance costs, or a particular internal strategy.
The careful conclusion is that Paint 3D did not become Microsoft’s long-term successor to classic Paint. Classic Paint continued to receive development, while Paint 3D was deprecated. The evidence does not establish why Microsoft chose that direction.
Rank #3
- Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: The upgraded stylus features 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports up to 60 degrees of tilt, delivering smoother lines and shading for a natural drawing experience. With no battery or charging needed, it operates like a real pen, making it easy for beginners to create effortlessly. This functionality helps novice artists develop their skills and explore their creativity without the intimidation of complex tools
- Designed for Beginners: This drawing pad desinged with 8 customizable shortcuts for both right and left-hand users, express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform
- Perfectly Adapted for Android: The XPPen Deco 01 V3 art tablet supports connections with Android devices running version 10.0 and above. It is recommended to download the XPPen Tools Android application, which adapts to your smartphone's screen aspect ratio, ensuring accurate mapping. It also supports mapping on Android screens with different aspect ratios in portrait mode
- Large Drawing Space, Bigger Bold Inspiration: This expansive drawing pad has10 x 6.25-inch helps you break through the limit between shortcut keys and drawing area
- Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The Deco 01 V3 offers USB-C to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C. This ensures easy connection to various devices, allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns. Whether using a laptop, tablet, or desktop, the Deco 01 V3 provides a seamless experience, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their digital art journey
What Windows 10 and Windows 11 users need to know
| User situation | What the evidence says | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Paint 3D is already installed | Store removal does not mean existing copies were immediately erased. The sources do not guarantee how long they will work or receive updates. | Check your projects and test any replacement before uninstalling. |
| You want to install Paint 3D from the Store | Microsoft removed Paint 3D from the Microsoft Store on November 4, 2024. | Do not count on the official Store as a new download route. |
| You use Windows 11 | Paint 3D was not preinstalled on Windows 11 devices. | Use Paint for 2D image work or 3D Viewer to view 3D content, as appropriate. |
| You use Windows 10 | Paint 3D had been preinstalled on some Windows 10 devices, not necessarily all of them. | Check whether it is installed on your particular device. |
What should you use instead?
For viewing and editing 2D images
Microsoft points users to classic Paint for viewing and editing 2D images. Paint’s continuing development is documented by Microsoft, including a Windows Insider post dated November 6, 2024. That post described feature rollouts with eligibility and availability conditions; it should not be read as a current, universal feature list.
For viewing 3D content
Microsoft identifies 3D Viewer as an option for viewing 3D content. Treat it as a viewer, not as a confirmed replacement for Paint 3D’s editing and creation capabilities.
For creating or editing 3D content
The documented alternatives here do not provide a one-for-one replacement for Paint 3D’s 3D creation and editing features. If you need those functions, you will need to assess a separate application that supports your workflow and files. Test it with copies of important work before relying on it.
Rank #4
- 【Multi-Function Quick Dial and 12 Customized Express keys】 The quick dial is specially designed for VEIKK A15Pro drawing tablet. It has default functions for zooming canvas/adjusting brush/scrolling page. You can program the quick dial and all the 12 express keys to functions that you need. Thus, they greatly simplify your workflow, and you would not have to have a keyboard close.
- 【Intelligent Passive Pen】The battery-free pen features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and 250 PPS report rate, so you can draw lines of different thicknesses according to your needs without any delay.The Passive pen supports ±60°tilt function after FIRMWARE UPDATED, helping you add shadow to your art creation.
- 【Ultra Large Drawing Area】VEIKK A15Pro graphics tablet has 10x6 inch large active area, provides enough space for your digital artwork creation. Ultra-thin for only 9mm and light weight body makes it quite convenient and portable. The type-C port on this computer graphics tablets can bring more stable transmission. And it comes with 28 spare nibs ,1 pen holder and 1 artist glove, no need to buy additionally.
- 【Application】VEIKK A15Pro digital art tablet is perfect for beginners and professional digital artists for drawing, animation, photo-editing, 3D Modeling, or design work. It is also an ideal tool for online education and remote working. It can not only be used with a computer, but also with a mobile phone. VEIKK provides one-year warranty and lifetime technical support.
- 【Compatibility】A15Pro graphic tablet is compatible with Mac 10.12 or above, Windows 11/10/8/7, Linux OS and Android 6.0(After FIRMWARE UPDATED)or above. And it works with major design softwares, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Sai, Corel painter, Comic studio, MediBang Paint, Paintstorm Studio ,Clip Studio, Krita ,Zbrush,etc.
What to do before uninstalling Paint 3D
- Check whether you still use it. Look for Paint 3D on your device and open a representative project.
- Preserve important work. Keep copies of the files you may need to revisit.
- Identify the features you rely on. Distinguish 2D editing from 3D viewing, creation, or editing.
- Choose a replacement by task. Microsoft points to Paint for 2D work and 3D Viewer for viewing 3D content; neither is documented here as a full Paint 3D substitute.
- Test before uninstalling. Check that your intended replacement handles the files and tasks that matter to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Paint 3D removed from the Microsoft Store?
Microsoft says Paint 3D was removed from the Store on November 4, 2024. The company lists its deprecation date as August 2024.
Does Store removal mean Paint 3D was deleted from my PC?
No. Store removal is not itself evidence that an existing copy was immediately erased. The available documentation does not guarantee how long an installed copy will continue working or receiving updates.
Recommended Free Tools
Was Paint 3D preinstalled on Windows 11?
No. Microsoft’s documentation says Paint 3D was not preinstalled on Windows 11 devices. It had been preinstalled on some Windows 10 devices.
Best Value
- Working Area Configuration - HUION art tablet equips with a 10 x 6.25 inches working area, providing the user with the most comfortable size to work; the 10mm slim structure and minimalist design of appearance make the drawing tablet more attractive.
- Tilt Function Battery-free Stylus: This computer graphics tablet come with a battery-free stylus PW100, no need to charge, allowing for constant uninterrupted drawing. ±60° tilt support enables imitation of lines input with diverse drawing gestures, with accuracy ensured.
- Press Keys:12 programmable press keys plus 16 programmable soft keys, you can set shortcut keys on drawing tablet's driver based on your preferences, such as erase, zoom in/out, scroll up and down, and so on.
- Compatibility: HUION graphics tablet supports Windows 7 or later/ macOS 10.12 or later/ Android 6.0 or later/ Linux (Ubuntu). A USB adapter is required to connect to a Mac computer. H1060P supports various mainstream design and drawing software, including PS, SAI, AI, CDR, etc. (Please note: The H1060P is compatible with Ubuntu, but it requires the use of the Xorg display server. Wayland is not supported.)
- NOTE: You can easily connect your phone to the art tablet via the OTG connector; while iPhone and iPad are NOT at the moment. The cursor will not show up in the SAMSUNG Galaxy S series at present. If you are not sure whether the product is compatible with your Phone or any help, please contact us.
What does Microsoft recommend instead of Paint 3D?
Microsoft points users to classic Paint for viewing and editing 2D images, and 3D Viewer for viewing 3D content. These recommendations do not establish a full replacement for Paint 3D’s 3D editing capabilities.
Did classic Paint continue to receive updates?
Yes. Microsoft published a Windows Insider post on November 6, 2024, describing new Paint features. Its AI feature details were subject to rollout and eligibility conditions and should be understood as dated information, not a complete current feature list.
The Bottom Line
Microsoft deprecated Paint 3D in August 2024 and removed it from the Store on November 4, 2024. Classic Paint remained in development; some Windows 10 devices had Paint 3D preinstalled, while Windows 11 devices did not. Microsoft points to Paint for 2D work and 3D Viewer for viewing 3D content, but the cited recommendations do not replace Paint 3D’s full 3D creation and editing workflow.
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