September 17, 2024, 8:32 am | Read time: 3 minutes
In June, Microsoft announced that it was removing the popular WordPad program from Windows and discontinuing it completely. Now, another piece of software has been affected, this time for graphics editing. Its end has been announced for November 4.
Microsoft has been offering image editing software with Paint for many years. In 2016, a revised version called Paint 3D was released. This software allows you to create, open, and edit three-dimensional objects graphically and add various backgrounds, textures, and effects. Microsoft had positioned Paint 3D as a kind of successor to the original program. Now, however, the surprising end has been announced. Microsoft will discontinue the software on November 4.
Mixed reactions to Paint 3D
Contrary to Microsoft’s hopes, users did not receive the 3D version of Paint as well as its predecessor. Many wanted to stick with the old image editing program. This was probably also because the software was developed in the early days of Windows 10 and was, therefore, designed for touch operation. In the following years, when the hype surrounding Windows devices with touchscreens flattened out, Microsoft barely adapted the software.
For some time, Paint and its 3D counterpart were installed in parallel as standard software on Windows PCs. However, Paint 3D did not make the leap to the new Windows 11. If you want to use the software under this operating system, you have to install it manually from the Microsoft Store.
Users generally rate the program well in the store. With over 13,000 reviews, it has a total of 4.2 out of 5 stars. This could be due to the fact that only those users who really need the features of Paint 3D download and use the software. While the original Paint is designed as a general image editing program, the focus of Paint 3D is much sharper. It, therefore, does not appeal to the masses – one reason for the original rejection.
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Microsoft discontinues software
The end of Paint 3D comes as a relative surprise. Although Microsoft had not done anything about its software for a long time, there was no indication that it would be discontinued. However, if you open the program now, you will find a message that it will no longer be listed in the Microsoft Store from November 4. Microsoft will also no longer roll out updates.
Microsoft is not offering a real alternative. However, the company continues to upgrade the old Paint – the image editing software has been given various AI functions and new pen and eraser options, among other things. The 3D viewer is available for viewing three-dimensional graphics but does not allow editing and creation. If you want to do this, you have to switch to alternative programs such as Blender, which are far more complex and less beginner-friendly than Paint 3D.