Windows 10: Win11 update broke explorer, sinpping tool, and ms paint

After updating my win11 lastnight jan 4 2024 file explorer, snipping tool, and ms paint will not load or work.My windows 11 install is only about a month old and doesn't have much installed on it as most of what I do is browser based.If I attempt to open a folder or a new explorer, it crashes and the screen refreshes. Pressing print screen or windows + shift + s only resultsin a loading symbol by the cursor for a moment. The same is said for trying to open ms paint. Not much happens.I have tried going to apps - 3 dots - repair for ms paint and snapping tool, also reinstalled them but they do

:)

 

MS Paint not working

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



We understand the concern as you are unable to use Microsoft Paint on your PC. In order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, please reply with the answers to the questions below:

• What is the Version and Build of Windows 10 installed on the PC? (Type
  winver in Windows search/Run command)
  
• Are you aware of any changes on the PC prior to this issue?

In this scenario, we would suggest you to check if you are able to launch Microsoft Paint from System32 folder.

1. Press Windows + E key to open
   File/Windows Explorer
   
2. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32
   
3. Double click on mspaint.exe
   
4. If you are able to launch then Pin to Taskbar and
   create a shortcut.

If the issue persists then try these steps.



Step 1: Run DISM & SFC scan

We would also suggest you to run the DISM & SFC Scan tool to check if you are able to launch MS Paint, refer this article:
System File Checker.



Step 2: Reinstall Microsoft Paint app.

1. Press Windows + I key to open
   Settings.
   
2. Click on Apps and select
   Apps & features from left pane.
   
3. Click on Optional features and select
   Microsoft Paint from the list.
   
4. Click on Uninstall. Close
   Settings and restart the PC.
   
5. Now perform step 1 and 2.
   
6. Click on Optional features and click
   Add a feature.
   
7. Check the box beside Microsoft Paint and click on
   Install.

Let us know the results. If the issue persists, we will certainly assist you further.



Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

MS Paint

Hi Tawm,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

We would be glad to help you with the issue you are facing today. I understand the difficulty with the problem.

Method: 1

I suggest you to follow the below steps.

• Press windows key on the keyboard.
• Type “Paint” & select the paint icon & hit enter.

Method: 2

• Press windows + R.
• Type “MSpaint” hit enter.

Hope this helps in resolving the issue. If the issue persists, do get back to us. We will be happy to assist you.

Thank you.

 

ms Paint

Hi,

There are several ways to remove MS Paint. Let's try deleting the app from its file location. Follow the steps below:

• Type mspaint.exe in the search bar.
• Right-click on mspaint.exe, and select Open file location.
  
• Press Delete on your keyboard.
  
• Follow the next instructions to remove the program.
  

Let us know if you need anything else. We're here to help.