The original Paint opens instantly and focuses on fundamental tools like pencils, brushes, filling, and text.
If you are on a work or school computer, your IT administrator may have disabled the ability to install optional features. You will need to request permission.
This method permanently places the classic executable into your system directory. It also automatically disables any system scripts that try to redirect your shortcuts to Paint 3D. Troubleshooting Shortcut Redirects
In the rapid cycle of digital evolution, few applications evoke as much nostalgia and quiet utility as Microsoft Paint. For decades, "MS Paint" was the primordial creative womb for millions of users—the first place they drew a stick figure, edited a screenshot, or simply doodled during a dial-up connection. However, with the release of Windows 10, Microsoft introduced a modernized "Paint 3D," pushing the classic application into the background. While progress is inevitable, the instinct to retrieve the original Paint application reveals a critical truth about user experience: simplicity is not a flaw, but a feature. This essay argues that installing the classic Paint app on Windows 10 is not merely an act of retro computing, but a deliberate choice to preserve workflow efficiency, accessibility, and digital heritage.
Create a new folder on your Windows 10 PC (e.g., C:\ClassicPaint ). install classic paint windows 10
To help narrow down the instructions, tell me: Which is your PC currently running, do you have administrative access to run installers, and are you trying to set classic Paint as the default program for all image file types ? Share public link
This usually indicates that you don’t have administrator privileges on the computer. Log in as an administrator or contact your system administrator to install the feature.
The classic version offers several advantages over the newer 3D app: ⚡ It opens instantly on most systems. 🖱️ Simple interface: No complex 3D tools to navigate.
Before installing anything, check if the app is simply hidden. Press the . Type "mspaint" . If "Paint" appears (not Paint 3D), you are ready to go. Right-click it and select Pin to Taskbar for easy access. Method 2: Use the Classic Paint Executable The original Paint opens instantly and focuses on
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.MSPaint* | Remove-AppxPackage
Sometimes, Windows 10 updates will reset your preferences and force standard shortcuts to open the 3D version. Follow these steps to lock in your choice: Right-click any .png or .jpg image file. Hover over and select Choose another app . Select the classic Paint app from the list. Check the box that says Always use this app to open files . Click OK to save changes.
When using the classic Paint, you might see errors regarding missing .mui files. To fix this:
Once you have successfully installed classic Paint, you will want to set it as the default image editor. By default, Windows 10 opens .jpg and .png files in "Photos" or "Paint 3D." Here is how to restore the classic "Edit with Paint" context menu. This method permanently places the classic executable into
If the folder doesn't exist, right-click Paint and create a new Key named Settings.
Name it DisableModernPaintBootstrap and ensure its value is set to . Method 4: Manual "Classic Paint" Installers
Yes, Microsoft Paint was originally known as Paintbrush between 1985 and 1995.