Microsoft mothballs Paint 3D
After eight years, the Paint 3D drawing program is coming to an end. Microsoft is removing the program from the Store.
(Image: Screenshot / heise online)
Microsoft is finally pulling the plug on the Paint 3D drawing program in November. The manufacturer has now announced this. Alternatives are to fill the gap.
Microsoft has now added the Paint 3D drawing program to the list of functions and apps classified as "deprecated". The company plans to remove the software from the Microsoft Store on November 4 of this year.
Paint 3D: Unknown reach
"Paint 3D was pre-installed on some Windows 10 devices", Microsoft explains in the details, "but it was not pre-installed on Windows 11 devices". It remains unclear whether the software was used by many or only some. Microsoft does not provide any figures.
However, Microsoft suggests closing the emerging gap with other programs that Windows has on board. 2D content could therefore be viewed and edited with the conventional Paint or Photos app. For 3D content, the 3D viewer would be an option - however, this must first be installed under Windows 11.
The discontinuation means that Paint 3D will disappear from the MS Store on November 4 and can no longer be installed from there. It will also no longer receive any updates, including security updates. Paint 3D now also displays a warning under the title bar when it is opened that it has been discontinued.
Unlike Paint 3D, Microsoft is actively developing the aforementioned alternatives Paint and Photos. Some of them are even incorporating AI functions, for example for cropping motifs. As a result, the tools provided are constantly improving and becoming more powerful.
Microsoft does not give a reason why Paint 3D is now being discontinued. It is possible that too many of the functions are already available in the other programs, or that the number of users no longer justifies further development efforts.
(dmk)