Windows 10: Restore Paint app in Windows 10

How to: Restore Paint app in Windows 10

How to Restore Classic Paint App in Windows 10

This tutorial is no longer valid in Windows 10 version 1903 and higher

See: Install or Uninstall Microsoft Paint (mspaint) in Windows 10





Information Starting with Windows 10 build 14971 Creators Update, the Paint 3D Preview app is now included as part of Windows 10. Opening Paint from Start or running mspaint.exe will now take you to the Paint 3D Preview app instead of the classic Paint (aka: "Microsoft Paint") win32 app.

New Microsoft Paint Accessibility Features in Windows 10 version 1903

This tutorial will show you how to restore the classic Paint (mspaint.exe) win32 app for all users in Windows 10.

Restoring classic Paint doesn’t prevent you from using the Paint 3D Preview app. You will still be able to launch Paint 3D Preview from the Start menu shortcut.

You must be signed in as an administrator to restore the Paint app.


*Busted Starting with Windows 10 build 15002, this is no longer valid to restore the classic Paint (mspaint.exe) app. You can now use Open with to select "C:\Windows\System32\mspaint.exe" for the classic Paint.

Starting with Windows 10 build 15025, the Paint (mspaint.exe) shortcut has been returned to Start > All Apps > Windows Accessories.

Stating with Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, Paint (mspaint.exe) will be deprecated. However, it will still be available as a free app from the Windows Store.

• Features removed or Deprecated in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update - Windows 10 Forums
• MS Paint is here to stay in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

Note The downloadable .reg files below will add and modify the DWORD value in the registry key below.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Paint\Settings

DisableModernPaintBootstrap DWORD

(delete) = Open modern "Paint 3D" app
1= Open classic "Paint" win32 app


Warning Starting with Windows 10 build 17063, there is a new Product alert button on the toolbar of Paint (mspaint.exe) warning:

Attachment 169451

EXAMPLE: New "Paint 3D" and classic "Paint" apps








Here's How:

1. Do step 2 (Paint) or step 3 (Paint 3D) below for what you would like to do.


2. To Open Paint win32 app
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Restore_Classic_Paint.reg

Download

3. To Open Paint 3D Preview app
NOTE: This is the default setting.
A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Use_Paint_3D.reg

Download

4. Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

6. If prompted, click on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7. You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.


That's it,
Shawn


Related Tutorials

• How to Add or Remove Edit with Paint 3D context menu in Windows 10

:)

 

How to get the old version of MS photo editor back?

If you are referring to Photo Viewer, see:

Restore Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 10 Windows 10 Apps ...

If you are referring to Microsoft Paint, see:

How to Restore Classic Paint App in Windows 10 Creators Update

 

Paint.

Press Windows key + R

Type: mspaint

Hit Enter

If you don't find it, try the following:

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/restore-classic-ms-paint-app-windows/


also refer to the following:

Reference Guide for Microsoft Paint 3D

 

You're most welcome Brian. *Smile

 

Thanks, Shawn! These .reg DL's may break a record for "Most Used"! *Smile

 

Right after:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Paint\Settings]
"DisableModernPaintBootstrap"=dword:00000001
and Take Ownership !

 

thanks paint 3d does not work on my laptop crashes when you change the colour.
didn't work the first time so ran it again and it worked so now have paint back again

 

Thanks. Paint gives me a great way to reduce photos, so I didn't want to lose it.

 

Does this still work in 15002 and 15007? I run the reg file, but when I type in "Paint" into search all I get is the Paint3D version as a result.

I can still use mspaint.exe if I find it manually though.

 

So far, it looks like all we need to do in builds 15002 and 15007 is just use "Open with" to select "C:\Windows\System32\mspaint.exe" for the classic Paint.

 

Cool. Thanks!

 

Hopefully, it'll stay that way in future builds.

 

mspaint.exe will not run by itself, throws warning. "Can't create document".

 

mspaint.exe is currently running by itself for me in build 15007. Odd. *Confused

 

Ah, it works now, had to restart after registry hack.