In 2016, Microsoft was all about 3D. The company introduced its HoloLens technology and wanted its software to offer 3D capabilities, so in October 2016, the company relaunched its Paint app for Windows 10 as Paint 3D.
Instead of just creating 2D artwork like you would with the older Paint app, Microsoft wanted everyone to be able to create 3D artwork with this new app. In fact, it was originally designed to completely replace the older Paint app for Windows 10.
However, the uptake of the new Paint 3D app did not go as well as expected, and Microsoft continued to support the older Paint app alongside Paint 3D. In 2021, Paint 3D was removed from new installations of the operating system with the release of Windows 10 Build 21332.
Now, the end of the Paint 3D app finally seems to be in sight, three years after it was removed from new Windows 10 installations. As X user @phantomofearth posted, anyone still using the app will now see a banner at the top stating that Paint 3D will no longer be available for download from the Microsoft Store after November 4. That’s also the day updates for the app will end.
Paint 3D now has a banner stating that it will no longer receive updates and will no longer be available in the Microsoft Store starting November 4th. pic.twitter.com/ksPg1Irdjo
— phantomofearth 🌳 (@phantomofearth) 10 August 2024
The discontinuation of Paint 3D comes even as Microsoft has been adding new features to the regular Paint app for Windows 10 and 11. Members of the Windows Insider program have been able to try out new features over the past few months. These include a new size slider for pencils, brushes, and erasers, as well as some new features for the pen and eraser options.
