MS Paint & Snipping Tool in Microsoft Store
Microsoft Paint and Snipping Tool are both available as free apps in the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and Windows 11. You can download or update them directly from the Store, which is the official way to get the latest versions and fixes from Microsoft.
Background: Why They Are in the Store
Paint and Snipping Tool started as built-in Windows utilities, included with every copy of Windows for decades. Starting with Windows 10, Microsoft began moving many of these classic programs to the Microsoft Store as separate apps. This lets the company update them independently of the main operating system, so you get new features and bug fixes without waiting for a major Windows update. On Windows 11, both apps are still pre-installed, but the Store versions are the ones that receive updates.
How to Get Them from the Store
If you don’t see Paint or Snipping Tool on your PC, or if you want to reinstall them, follow these steps:
- Open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu or taskbar.
- Search for “Paint” or “Snipping Tool” in the search box at the top.
- Click the app in the results, then click Get or Install.
- Wait for the download to finish. The app will appear in your Start menu.
Both apps are free. You need a Microsoft account only if you want to sync settings or use certain features like cloud saving in Paint (which requires a Microsoft account).
What Each App Does
Paint is a simple raster graphics editor. You can create images from scratch, draw with brushes and shapes, add text, and edit photos by cropping, resizing, or adjusting colors. It supports common formats like PNG, JPEG, GIF, and BMP. The Windows 11 version added a dark mode, a centered canvas, and improved zoom controls.
Snipping Tool is a screen capture utility. You can take a screenshot of the whole screen, a rectangular region, a freeform area, or a specific window. After capturing, you can annotate the image with a pen or highlighter, crop it, and save or share it. On Windows 11, Snipping Tool also includes a Screen Recorder feature that records your screen as a video (MP4).
How to Choose Between Paint and Other Editors
Paint is not a full-featured editor like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. It is best for quick tasks: resizing an image, cropping, drawing simple diagrams, or adding basic text. If you need layers, advanced color correction, or filters, you should use a more powerful program. Similarly, Snipping Tool is perfect for basic screenshots, but if you need scrolling captures, delayed captures, or advanced annotation, you might prefer a third-party tool like Snagit or the built-in Xbox Game Bar (for screen recording).
Common Problems and Fixes
Sometimes Paint or Snipping Tool may not open or may crash. Here are common issues and solutions:
- App won’t open: Try restarting your PC. If that fails, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find the app, and click Advanced options > Repair. If that doesn’t work, Reset the app (this clears its data).
- Missing from Start menu: Open the Microsoft Store and reinstall the app from its product page.
- Snipping Tool captures a black screen: This often happens with hardware-accelerated content (like videos or games). Try disabling hardware acceleration in the app you’re capturing, or use the Print Screen key instead.
- Updates not installing: Make sure your Windows is up to date and you have enough free disk space. You can also run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter from Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
Cost and Safety
Both Paint and Snipping Tool are completely free, with no in-app purchases or ads. They are official Microsoft products, so they are safe to download from the Microsoft Store. Be cautious of third-party websites that claim to offer “Paint” or “Snipping Tool” downloads – those are not official and could contain malware. Always use the Microsoft Store or the built-in apps.
Alternatives to Consider
If you need more features, here are some free alternatives that work on Windows:
- For image editing: GIMP (open-source, supports layers and plugins), Paint.NET (simple but more powerful than Paint), or Krita (geared toward digital painting).
- For screenshots: The built-in Snip & Sketch (older Windows 10) or the Xbox Game Bar (Win+Alt+R for video). Third-party options include Greenshot, ShareX, and Lightshot, all free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Paint and Snipping Tool still free? Yes, both are free and always have been. The Microsoft Store versions are free downloads.
Can I use them on Windows 10? Yes, both are available for Windows 10 and Windows 11. The Store versions work on both.
Why does my Snipping Tool look different? Microsoft updated the app for Windows 11, adding a new interface and the screen recorder. If you’re on Windows 10, you might have the older version, which is still supported.
Do I need an internet connection to use them? No, after installation they work offline. You only need internet to download updates.
Can I save screenshots as PNG or JPG? Yes, Snipping Tool lets you choose the file format when you save (PNG, JPG, GIF, or BMP).
What happened to MS Paint? Is it being discontinued? In 2017, Microsoft announced Paint would be removed, but after public backlash, they kept it and moved it to the Store. It is still supported and updated.
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