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Paint 3D is discontinued. Microsoft deprecated it in August 2024 and removed it from the Microsoft Store on November 4, 2024. Microsoft says existing installations continue to work, but you should not expect to install the app from the Store now.
For 2D work, Microsoft Paint is a familiar built-in direction, while Krita is an option for more involved digital painting. Neither is a replacement for Paint 3D’s 3D-object workflow; choose a purpose-built 3D tool only after identifying what you need it to do.
What was Paint 3D?
Paint 3D was Microsoft’s simplified creative app for Windows 10. It combined familiar 2D drawing tools with a beginner-friendly 3D workspace, allowing users to create simple objects and place 2D and 3D elements together on one canvas.
#1 Best Overall
- Universal Compatibility: It's compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11, Mac 10.10 or later, Linux. Compatible with Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, Painter, MediBang, Clip Studio, and more. It's ideal for digital drawing, animation, sketching, photo editing, 3D sculpting, and more (XP-PEN Artist12 drawing tablet must be connected to a computer to work).
- 11.6 HD IPS display: Artist12 drawing tablet is the XP-PEN’s latest smallest 1920x1080 HD display paired with 72% NTSC(100%SRGB) Color Gamut, presenting vivid images, vibrant colors and extreme detail for a stunning display of your artwork. It's pre-installed anti-reflective screen protector already. The slim touch bar can be programmed to zoom in and out, scroll up and down. Its 6 shortcut keys are customizable, XP-PEN driver allows the shortcut keys to be attuned to other different software
- Battery-free stylus with a digital eraser at the end: XP-PEN advanced P06 passive pen was made for a traditional pencil-like feel! Featuring a unique hexagonal design, non-slip & tack-free flexible glue grip, partial transparent pen tip, and an eraser at the end! Delivering technical sense, high efficiency, with a fashionable and comfortable grip, and there are 8 replacement pen nibs included with the multi-function pen holder
- XP-PEN Artist12 drawing tablet with screen is ideal for online education and remote work. Set the Artist12 drawing screen as an extended display when working from home, visually present your handwritten notes on the screen directly. Teachers and students can write and edit complicated functional equations with ease. It's compatible with XSplit, Zoom, Twitch, Microsoft Teams, ezTalks Webinar, Idroo, Scribbiar, wiziQ, and more
- XP-PEN provides a one-year warranty and lifetime technical support for all our drawing pen tablets/displays. Register your XP-PEN Artist12 drawing tablet on xp-pen web to apply for an ArtRage 5, openCanvas, or Explain Everything. Your laptop/desktop needs to have HDMI and USB-A ports available for the connection, or you need an extra converter(such as Thunderbolt to HDMI, depends on what ports that your laptop/desktop has) for the connection
It was useful for quick illustrations, school projects, mockups, annotations and simple visual assets. However, Paint 3D was not intended to replace professional digital-painting software, CAD applications, animation tools or full 3D suites.
Is Paint 3D still available?
No. Microsoft lists Paint 3D as deprecated in August 2024 and says it was removed from the Microsoft Store on November 4, 2024. Microsoft says existing installations continue to work; Store removal means new users should not expect to install it from the Store.
See Microsoft’s deprecated Windows features documentation for the status and dates.
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| Situation | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Paint 3D is already installed | Microsoft says existing installations continue to work. |
| You want to install it from the Microsoft Store | It was removed from the Store on November 4, 2024. |
Can you download Paint 3D officially?
Microsoft removed Paint 3D from the Store, so you should not expect a normal official Store download now. Searching the Store or using an old Store link should not be treated as a reliable way to install it.
If you already have it, check before attempting recovery:
Rank #2
- PLEASE NOTE：XPPen Artist13.3 Pro drawing tablet Need to connect with computer,you need to use it with your computer or laptop, the 3 in 1 cable is included
- Drawing Tablet with Screen: Tilt Function- XPPen Artist 13.3 Pro supports up to 60 degrees of tilt function, so now you don't need to adjust the brush direction in the software again and again. Simply tilt to add shading to your creation and enjoy smoother and more natural transitions between lines and strokes
- Graphics Tablets: High Color Gamut- The 13.3 inch fully-laminated FHD Display pairs a superb color accuracy of 88% NTSC (Adobe RGB≧91%，sRGB≧123%) with a 178-degree viewing angle and delivers rich colors, vivid images, and dazzling details in a wider view. Your creative world is now as powerful as it is colorful
- Drawing Pad: One is enough- The sleek Red Dial on the display is expertly designed with creators in mind, its strategic placement allows for natural drawing postures. With just one wheel, you can effortlessly zoom in and out, adjust brush sizes, and flip the canvas—all tailored to suit the habits of everyday artists. The 8 customizable shortcut keys allow you to personalize your setup, streamlining your workflow and enhancing creative efficiency
- Universal Compatibility & Software Support：supports Windows 7 (or later), Mac OS X 10.10 (or later), Chrome OS 88 (or later), and Linux systems. Fully compatible with major creative software including Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, and Blender 3D. Register your device to access additional programs like ArtRage 5 and openCanvas for expanded creative possibilities.
- Open Start and search for Paint 3D.
- Launch it if it appears.
- If it opens, avoid uninstalling it until important work has been preserved.
- Back up your project files to another drive or cloud location.
An existing app can disappear after an uninstall, system reset or Windows change. Store removal means you should not count on the Store to reinstall it.
Should you use an unofficial Paint 3D installer?
Do not treat packages from file-sharing sites, software mirrors or archives as official Microsoft installers. Their safety, authenticity and support have not been verified by the sources reviewed for this article.
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A third-party copy cannot be assumed to have the safety or support of an official Microsoft distribution. Avoid claims that a download is “official” unless they point to a current Microsoft source.
If Paint 3D is installed but broken
The following are general Windows app-repair steps, not a current Microsoft-supported Paint 3D recovery procedure. Menu labels can vary by Windows version.
- Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
- Search for Paint 3D.
- Open its menu and choose Advanced options, if available.
- Try Repair first, if available.
- Back up any accessible projects before trying Reset, which can remove app data and settings.
- Restart Windows and test the app again.
If Paint 3D was uninstalled, do not assume the Microsoft Store can restore it. Consider a supported alternative suited to your task rather than relying on an unverified package.
Rank #3
- PLEASE NOTE: The XPPen Artist 15.6 Pro needs to connect with a computer to use. You need to use it with your Computer or Laptop. It is NOT a standalone drawing tablet
- Outstanding Visuals: The immersive 15.6 inch large screen with 1920x1080 p full HD resolution presents your creation in the depth of detail, provides you with clarity to see every detail of your work
- 8 customized express keys: The Artist 15.6 Pro monitor features 8 fully customizable shortcut keys and puts more customization options at your fingertips to suit you preferred work style, allowing you to capture and express your ideas easier and faster for optimized workflow
- Full-laminated Technology: XPPen Artist15.6 Pro art tablet is adopting full-laminated technology, seamlessly combines the glass and the screen, to create a distraction-free working environment that's also easy on the eyes
- Advanced Pen Performance: With up to 16384 levels of pressure sensitivity, the Battery-free Stylus provides you with increased accuracy and enhanced performance to create the finest sketches and lines
Preserve Paint 3D projects before changing anything
If old artwork matters, preservation is more important than finding an installer. Open important projects while the existing app still works, then:
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- Keep the original project files.
- Export copies in common formats whenever Paint 3D offers that option.
- Save screenshots or flattened images for simple archival.
- Store backups in more than one location.
- Open exported files in the replacement program to verify them.
A finished image is generally easier to preserve than an editable 3D scene. Do not assume that every Paint 3D project will transfer perfectly to another application; scene information may be lost or flattened during export.
What can replace Paint 3D?
There is no verified one-for-one replacement in the sources reviewed. Choose by task: Microsoft Paint is a familiar direction for basic 2D drawing and image edits, and Krita is an option for more involved digital painting. Neither is established here as a replacement for Paint 3D’s 3D features.
| Your task | Option supported by the sources | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Basic 2D drawing or image edits | Microsoft Paint | It does not provide Paint 3D’s 3D-object workflow. |
| More involved digital painting | Krita | It is a painting option, not a 3D replacement. |
| 3D modeling, viewing, export or printing | Compare a purpose-built tool against your needs | The research reviewed here does not establish a specific comparable replacement. |
Microsoft Paint for basic 2D work
Microsoft Paint is the most familiar built-in direction for basic 2D drawing and image edits. Microsoft Support documents current Paint features for Windows 11 and says the app can be updated through the Microsoft Store. This does not give Paint 3D’s 3D-object workflow. See Microsoft Support’s Paint documentation.
Krita for digital painting
Krita is a digital-painting option, not a direct replacement for Paint 3D’s 3D features. Its official download page offers Windows downloads and lists version 5.3.4. Check the official Krita download page for current download information.
Rank #4
- 【Fully-Laminated Anti-Glare Screen & Zero Parallax】 Adopting cutting-edge fully-laminated technology, the 11.6-inch IPS display seamlessly combines glass and screen to eliminate visual gaps. With virtually zero parallax, your cursor lands precisely where you intend, offering an authentic, paper-like drawing experience. The built-in anti-glare protective film reduces harsh reflections, protecting your eyes during long creative sessions
- 【Innovative Red Dial & 8 Customizable Express Keys】 Streamline your workflow with the sleek, tactile Red Dial interface designed to fit comfortably in your hand. Easily zoom in/out on your canvas and adjust brush sizes with higher accuracy than traditional touch bars. Combined with 8 customizable shortcut keys, it lets you bypass the keyboard, capture ideas faster, and boost productivity for digital painting and editing
- 【8192 Levels Pressure Sensitivity & 60° Natural Tilt Support】 Powered by a battery-free stylus that requires no charging, this tablet delivers superior precision with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity—capturing every nuance down to individual hairs. Enjoy natural tilt support up to 60 degrees, allowing you to add smooth, organic shading without constantly adjusting brush angles in your software
- 【Must Connect to a Device & Broad System Compatibility】 Please note that this is a drawing monitor and cannot be used as a standalone tablet; it must be connected to a host device. It offers wide compatibility, supporting Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.10 or later, ChromeOS 88 or later, and Linux. Featuring a convenient 3-in-1 cable, it integrates seamlessly with major creative software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and SAI
- 【Versatile for E-Learning, Remote Teaching & Web Conferencing】 Beyond digital art, sketching, and animation, the Artist 12 Pro is a powerful productivity extension for your computer. When connected to your system, it enables smooth digital writing, document annotation, and real-time screen sharing on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, empowering interactive remote classes and online webinars
Choosing a tool for 3D work
The research reviewed for this guide did not establish a current, supported, comparable 3D application to recommend as a direct replacement. Before choosing one, identify whether you need to model objects, view existing models, export files or prepare designs for printing, then compare tools against those specific requirements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Microsoft Paint versus Paint 3D
Choose Microsoft Paint when your work is basic 2D drawing or image editing. If you need to create or arrange 3D objects, Paint is not an equivalent replacement; look for a purpose-built 3D tool that meets your requirements.
In short, Microsoft Paint covers a 2D use case, not Paint 3D’s full mix of 2D and 3D work.
Bottom line
Paint 3D was deprecated in August 2024 and removed from the Microsoft Store on November 4, 2024. Microsoft says existing installations continue to work, but Store removal means you should not expect to install it there now. For 2D work, consider Microsoft Paint or Krita; for 3D, compare purpose-built tools against the tasks you need to do rather than assuming any one app is a direct replacement.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
FAQ
Is Paint 3D still available?
It is no longer available from the Microsoft Store. Microsoft says existing installations continue to work.
Best Value
- 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
When was Paint 3D removed from the Microsoft Store?
Microsoft says it was removed on November 4, 2024, after being deprecated in August 2024.
Can I reinstall Paint 3D after uninstalling it?
You should not expect a normal Microsoft Store reinstall route. The research reviewed here does not verify unofficial installers as safe or authentic.
Is Microsoft Paint a replacement for Paint 3D?
It is an option for basic 2D drawing and image edits, but it does not replace Paint 3D’s 3D-object workflow.
Is Krita a Paint 3D replacement?
Krita is a digital-painting option. It is not established as a replacement for Paint 3D’s 3D features.
What should I use for 3D work instead?
Identify whether you need modeling, viewing, export or printing, then compare purpose-built tools against those requirements. The sources reviewed here do not establish one specific comparable replacement.
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