Paint 3D was first announced in November 2026 as a replacement for the Paint application. This improved version focuses on 3D modeling, but also includes layering, background removal, transparency effects, PNG file support, and more.

Although Microsoft wanted to replace the traditional Paint with Paint 3D, Windows users protested strongly, which led to the decision to let both versions exist side by side. Some Windows 10 devices come with Paint 3D pre-installed, but Windows 11 operating systems must install it manually from the Microsoft Store.

Microsoft Paint 3D is not widely used

Now, it looks like the time has come for the Paint 3D app to end its life. Microsoft recommends users switch to Paint and Photos for viewing and editing 2D photos and 3D Viewer for viewing 3D content after uninstalling Paint 3D.

"Paint 3D will be removed from the Microsoft Store on November 4. Installed versions of Paint 3D will continue to function, but the app will no longer be available for download from the Microsoft Store," Microsoft said. " If you remove the app, you can reinstall it from the Microsoft Store before November 4, 2024. After that date, Paint 3D will not be available. Paint 3D is pre-installed on some Windows 10 devices but is not pre-installed on Windows 11 devices."

The decision to “kill” Paint 3D comes just as Microsoft has added a slew of new features to the regular Paint app, including a Photoshop-like background eraser, support for layers and image transparency, and an AI-powered image creation feature called Paint Cocreator.