Home Another nail in the coffin for MS Paint, as Microsoft axe Paint 3D

Another nail in the coffin for MS Paint, as Microsoft axe Paint 3D

TLDR

  • Microsoft is discontinuing Paint 3D, removing it from the Microsoft Store on November 4, 2024.
  • Paint 3D was initially launched in 2017 but failed to surpass the original 2D Paint app.
  • Windows Mixed Reality, linked to Paint 3D, is also being phased out in Windows 11 by 2026.

Once thought to be the future in the world of three-dimensional objects and an advancement from what had been seen previously, Microsoft has confirmed they’re axing Paint 3D.

Initially announced in 2016 through a Creators Update, the tool was launched a year later and aimed to overtake the original 2D Paint app.

After backlash and a call from users to keep the simple Paint software, Microsoft quickly caved and they instead added it to the Microsoft Store so they could update it more easily.

The fate of Paint 3D hasn’t been so kind though, as the technology company announced the future cancellation on Monday (August 12).

“Paint 3D is deprecated and will be removed from the Microsoft Store on November 4, 2024. To view and edit 2D images, you can use Paint or Photos. For viewing 3D content, you can use 3D Viewer.”

Paint 3D will soon be gone, along with Windows Mixed Reality

When the upgraded version was announced some years ago, it was intended to be used alongside Windows Mixed Reality. This is a platform where augmented reality and virtual reality experiences could be made possible, but this has also since been removed from Microsoft’s offerings.

With this being deprecated, it was just a matter of time before Paint 3D had the same treatment as it was pitched that the two could work nicely together.

“Windows Mixed Reality is deprecated and will be removed in Windows 11, version 24H2. This deprecation includes the Mixed Reality Portal app, Windows Mixed Reality for SteamVR, and Steam VR Beta.

“Existing Windows Mixed Reality devices will continue to work with Steam through November 2026, if users remain on their current released version of Windows 11, version 23H2. After November 2026, Windows Mixed Reality will no longer receive security updates, non-security updates, bug fixes, technical support, or online technical content updates,” said the team on its deprecated features page.

Featured Image: Via Microsoft Paint 3D page

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Sophie Atkinson
Tech Journalist

Sophie Atkinson is a UK-based journalist and content writer, as well as a founder of a content agency which focuses on storytelling through social media marketing. She kicked off her career with a Print Futures Award which champions young talent working in print, paper and publishing. Heading straight into a regional newsroom, after graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in Journalism, Sophie started by working for Reach PLC. Now, with five years experience in journalism and many more in content marketing, Sophie works as a freelance writer and marketer. Her areas of specialty span a wide range, including technology, business,…

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