If you want a perfectly clean system with only Classic Paint, you can uninstall Paint 3D.
Via Settings:
Via PowerShell (as Admin):
Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.MSPaint* | Remove-AppxPackage
Wait—careful! The command above removes the new Paint 3D. To remove Paint 3D specifically, use:
Get-AppxPackage *Paint3D* | Remove-AppxPackage
Verifying the Installation: Once you've completed the installation using one of the methods above, you should be able to find the classic Paint application in your Start menu. If it's not there, you can type "Paint" in the search bar to launch it.
Tips and Variations:
Conclusion: Installing classic Paint on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can be completed using one of the methods outlined above. While the modern Paint app is a capable tool, some users may prefer the simplicity and familiarity of the classic version. By following these steps, you can bring back the classic Paint application and enjoy a nostalgic computing experience. install classic paint windows 10
If you miss the simplicity of the original Microsoft Paint before it was replaced by more complex versions like Paint 3D, you can still restore the classic experience on Windows 10. While Microsoft deprecated the older version in favor of newer apps, it often remains hidden on your system or can be easily re-enabled through a few different methods.
Here is how you can install or restore classic Paint on your Windows 10 PC. Method 1: Enable via Optional Features
In many versions of Windows 10, classic Paint is still part of the operating system but may not be "active." You can check for it and install it through the official settings:
Open Settings (Win + I) and navigate to Apps > Optional features. Click Add a feature. Type "Microsoft Paint" into the search bar. If it appears, select it and click Install.
Once complete, restart your PC and search for "Paint" in the Start menu. Method 2: Restore Using the Windows Registry
If the app is installed but searching for "Paint" keeps opening the newer "modern" version, you can force Windows to use the classic bootstrap through the Registry Editor. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter. If you want a perfectly clean system with
Navigate to: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Paint\Settings.
Note: If the "Settings" folder doesn't exist, right-click "Paint," select New > Key, and name it "Settings".
Right-click in the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it DisableModernPaintBootstrap.
Set its value to 1 to disable the modern version, or 0 to re-enable it. Close the editor and restart your computer. Method 3: Download a "Classic Paint" Installer
For users whose systems have completely removed the older files, several reputable third-party sites offer standalone installers that bring back the exact Windows 7-style Paint.
Winaero and MajorGeeks provide trusted versions of the "Classic Paint for Windows 10" installer. Via PowerShell (as Admin): Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft
After downloading and running the setup file, the app will typically appear as "Paint Classic" in your Start menu to avoid conflict with the default version. Method 4: Manage App Execution Aliases
Windows sometimes uses "aliases" to redirect old commands (like mspaint.exe) to the new app. Disabling these can help classic versions run correctly.
If the optional features menu does not show Paint, or if you want to run it as a standalone app without installing system features, you can extract the file directly from your Windows system folder. Windows 10 keeps a backup of the classic executable.
Warning: Editing the registry can be hazardous, so proceed with caution.
If you don't want to mess with system files or registry commands, there is a fantastic third-party option: Paint.NET.
While it isn't the literal classic Paint, it is the spiritual successor. It looks like classic Paint but adds layers, transparency, and effects—without the ribbon toolbar clutter. It is free and runs flawlessly on Windows 10.