Microsoft Paint 3D, the 3D modelling app that was launched a few years ago as a successor to the beloved Microsoft Paint, is set to be discontinued later this year. The news was confirmed by Microsoft itself through banner notices displayed within the Paint 3D app on Windows computers. These notices inform users that the app will no longer receive updates starting November 4th, 2024, and will be removed from the Microsoft Store, making it impossible to download in the future. This applies to both Windows 10 and Windows 11 users.
The discontinuation of Paint 3D marks a somewhat ironic turn of events, considering it was initially positioned as a replacement for the classic Paint app, which has continued to evolve and gain popularity. While Paint 3D was initially touted as a 3D-enabled version of the iconic Paint application, it never truly reached the same level of acclaim or widespread use. Since its introduction in 2017, Paint 3D has received relatively few updates, with its last significant update occurring in 2019. In contrast, the original Paint app has undergone substantial improvements, gaining several new features and becoming a standard inclusion with Windows 11. Modern PCs are no longer pre-installed with Paint 3D, further highlighting the decline of the app.
The decision to discontinue Paint 3D can be attributed, in part, to Microsoft’s shift away from its Universal Windows Platform (UWP) strategy. UWP was introduced with Windows 10 as a platform for creating apps that could run seamlessly across various Windows devices, including Windows phones, PCs, and Xbox consoles. However, as the Windows phone market dwindled, Microsoft’s focus on UWP diminished, resulting in a decline in development and support for UWP apps like Paint 3D.
Despite the app’s shortcomings, some users have found value in Paint 3D’s simple 3D features, expressing their disappointment over its discontinuation. Many users have taken to social media to share their thoughts, with some expressing their fondness for the app and advocating for the integration of its features into the classic Paint app.
While the decision to discontinue Paint 3D might not impact all Windows users, it serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of technology and the challenges associated with maintaining legacy applications. If you’re interested in experiencing Paint 3D before its demise, you have until November 4th, 2024, to download it from the Microsoft Store.
