The End of an Era for Paint 3D
From the beginning of November this year, Paint 3D will be no more, as Microsoft plans to remove it from the eponymous store and stop updating it altogether. Initially heralded as a modernized version of the classic Paint app, the rapid decline in interest and use meant it was only a matter of time before this decision was made. Introduced in 2017 with the Windows 10 Creators Update, Paint 3D was designed to support 3D models and rendering.
The Legacy of Paint
It’s hard to believe, but Microsoft’s original Paint app has been a staple of every Windows version for nearly four decades. Despite Microsoft’s efforts to modernize with Paint 3D, the application did not gain the traction that was hoped. Windows Central reports that despite its genuinely good features, official support and availability of Paint 3D will cease after November 4, 2024.
A Shift in Focus
This decision aligns with Microsoft’s recent updates to the classic Paint app, which have included a background removal tool and a generative AI system. Paint 3D was meant to be a more comprehensive tool, but many users, including myself, prefer the simplicity of the original Paint application for basic annotations, image resizing, and format changes. For more complex tasks, professionals tend to rely on specialized software like GIMP, Photoshop, AutoCAD, Inventor, or Fusion 360.
Conclusion
Windows 10 remains the world’s most popular Microsoft operating system, but even that hasn’t saved apps like Cortana and the Tips tool from being phased out. Given the context, it’s not surprising that Paint 3D would follow a similar fate. While some users may feel nostalgic or even sad to see it go, the reality is that Paint 3D is joining other tools quietly retired by Microsoft. Its retirement reflects a broader trend in the software industry, where tools must continually meet user needs and technological advancements to remain relevant.
