What just happened? Redmond is officially pulling the plug on its modern art app later this year. Users have reported seeing a new banner at the top of the app announcing that Paint 3D will be removed from the Microsoft Store on November 4 and updates will cease permanently.
Paint 3D was introduced in 2017 as part of the Windows 10 Creators Update. It was Microsoft’s bold attempt to bring the classic Paint app into the 21st century with new 3D modeling features, a sleek interface, and support for layers and transparency. The app even allowed users to upload and incorporate 3D objects into their digital creations.
Back then, Microsoft seemed convinced that 3D content was the future. The HoloLens augmented reality headset had just launched, and the company had ambitious plans to let Windows Phone users scan real-world objects for use in Paint 3D projects. However, these grand visions were never fully realized.
Although Paint 3D initially impressed with its modern features, it was never widely adopted. Despite its innovative tools, most users preferred the simplicity of the original Paint. When Microsoft attempted to completely replace the old app, public backlash forced the company to change course – the classic Paint remained available.
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 ð³ (@phantomofearth) 10 August 2024
Ironically, Microsoft gave the decades-old Paint app an impressive update in Windows 11 while quietly discontinuing its potential successor. Modern times, after all.
It seems that most casual users never really embraced its 3D modeling capabilities – an area better suited to powerful applications like Blender and Autodesk 3ds Max. For simple painting, image editing and doodling tasks, the simplicity of the original app prevailed.
But don’t feel too sorry for Paint 3D. It’s just one of many Windows 10-era apps being phased out with Windows 11. Cortana, Mail & Calendar, and the Tips app have all suffered a similar fate in recent years as Microsoft tries to streamline its bloated app lineup even as it continues to introduce new features.
If you already have Paint 3D installed, it should theoretically still work after the November cutoff date, but with no future updates, it might be time to look for an alternative.
