Microsoft Paint Lives On: Still in Windows
Yes, Microsoft Paint is still alive and included with Windows 11 and Windows 10. It remains a free, built-in app for basic image editing, and Microsoft has even updated it with new features in recent years. This article explains its current status, what you can do with it, and how it compares to other options.
History: From Windows 1.0 to Today
Microsoft Paint (originally “Paintbrush�) debuted with Windows 1.0 in 1985. It was a simple bitmap editor that let users draw, color, and edit images using a mouse. For decades, it remained nearly unchanged, becoming a nostalgic icon of early computing. In 2017, Microsoft announced Paint would be removed from Windows 10 and moved to the Microsoft Store as a deprecated app. The backlash was immediate and loud—users flooded social media with tributes. Microsoft reversed course, keeping Paint in Windows 10 and later including it in Windows 11. In 2021, Paint received a dark mode and a centered canvas; in 2023, Microsoft added layers and transparency support, and in 2024, AI-powered image generation (Cocreator) and background removal arrived. As of 2025, Paint is fully supported and still free.
What Paint Can Do Now
Paint is no longer just a doodle pad. The current version includes:
- Basic drawing tools: pencil, brush, shapes, text, and eraser
- Image resizing and cropping
- Color picker and fill (paint bucket)
- Layers and transparency (added in 2023)
- Background removal (one-click, added in 2024)
- AI image generation via Cocreator (requires a Microsoft account and internet)
- Dark mode and zoom controls
It still opens and saves PNG, JPEG, BMP, GIF, and TIFF files. It does not support vector graphics (like SVG) or non-destructive editing (like Photoshop layers that you can hide without deleting).
How to Get Paint
If you have Windows 10 or Windows 11, Paint is already installed. To open it, type “Paint� in the Start menu search. If it’s missing, you can install it from the Microsoft Store—search “Paint� and select the official app from Microsoft Corporation. It’s free, with no ads or subscription. Paint is not available for macOS, Linux, or mobile devices; those platforms have their own built-in editors (Preview on Mac, Photos on Windows, etc.).
Common Problems and Fixes
Users sometimes report these issues:
- Paint won’t open – Try restarting your PC, or reinstall from the Microsoft Store.
- Can’t save as PNG – Use File > Save As and choose PNG from the format dropdown.
- Layers not showing – Layers are only available in the new Paint version. Update via Microsoft Store.
- Background removal is grayed out – This feature needs an internet connection and a Microsoft account in some regions.
- Text tool looks blurry – Increase image resolution before adding text, or use a larger font size.
Paint vs. Other Editors
Paint is the most basic option. Compared to free alternatives like GIMP or Krita, it lacks advanced features like curves, masks, and plugins. Compared to paid tools like Adobe Photoshop, it’s far less powerful but also free and instantly available. For quick tasks—cropping a screenshot, adding an arrow, or resizing a photo—Paint is often faster than launching a heavy editor. For professional photo editing, illustration, or graphic design, you’ll want a more capable program. Paint is also not a good choice for editing RAW photos or working with CMYK color for printing.
Safety and Limitations
Paint is a safe, official Microsoft app. It does not contain malware, and it does not upload your images to the cloud unless you use the optional Cocreator AI feature (which sends your image and prompt to Microsoft servers). If you’re concerned about privacy, avoid Cocreator and use Paint offline. Paint is not a full image editor: it cannot handle high-bit-depth images, HDR, or color profiles. It also tends to lose metadata (like EXIF data) when you save, so if you need to preserve camera info, use a different tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft Paint being discontinued?
No. Microsoft reversed its 2017 decision and continues to update Paint. It is included with Windows 11 and Windows 10, and new features are still being added as of 2025.
Can I use Paint for free?
Yes, Paint is completely free. It comes pre-installed with Windows, and if you need to reinstall it, it’s available at no cost from the Microsoft Store.
Does Paint support layers?
Yes, the current version of Paint (updated in 2023) supports layers and transparency. You can add, delete, reorder, and merge layers, similar to more advanced editors.
Can Paint remove backgrounds?
Yes, Paint has a one-click background removal tool (added in 2024). It works best on images with clear subject-background contrast. For complex backgrounds, you may need manual touch-up.
Is Paint available on Mac or Linux?
No. Paint is exclusive to Windows. Mac users have Preview and Photos; Linux users can use GIMP or Krita as free alternatives.
Does Paint save PNG files?
Yes, Paint can save PNG, JPEG, BMP, GIF, and TIFF files. To save as PNG, go to File > Save As and choose PNG.
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