Remove Edit with Paint 3D from Windows 10 Context Menu
To remove the “Edit with Paint 3D” option from the right-click context menu in Windows 10, you need to delete or rename a specific registry key. This article explains the exact steps, what the key does, and how to restore the option if you change your mind.
Why the Option Appears
Windows 10 includes two image editors: the classic Paint and the newer Paint 3D. When you right-click an image file (like .jpg, .png, or .bmp), the context menu shows both “Edit” (which opens Paint) and “Edit with Paint 3D.” The Paint 3D entry is added by a shell extension registered in the Windows Registry. It is not a separate program that runs in the background; it is simply a menu command that points to the Paint 3D executable.
Some users find the extra entry cluttered, especially if they never use Paint 3D. Removing it does not uninstall Paint 3D; it only hides the shortcut from the right-click menu.
What the Registry Key Does
The context menu entry is controlled by a registry key located at:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\image\shell\3D Edit
This key contains a command subkey that tells Windows which program to launch. When you delete or rename the “3D Edit” key, Windows no longer knows to show the menu item. Renaming is safer than deleting because you can easily revert the change if needed.
How to Remove It (Step-by-Step)
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
regeditand press Enter. If prompted by User Account Control, click “Yes.” - Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\image\shell\3D Edit - Right-click the “3D Edit” folder (key) on the left side.
- Choose Rename and change it to something like
3D Edit_Backup. Alternatively, choose Delete and confirm. - Close Registry Editor. The change takes effect immediately; no restart is needed.
If you renamed the key, the menu item disappears. If you later want it back, rename it back to 3D Edit.
What If the Key Isn’t There?
On some Windows 10 versions or after certain updates, the key may be named differently or located elsewhere. A common alternative is:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\image\shell\3D Edit
If that specific path doesn’t exist, check the same location under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\SystemFileAssociations\image\shell. The structure is the same, but the root is different. If neither exists, the option may have been removed already or your system uses a different mechanism (e.g., a group policy). In that case, you can try a third-party context menu editor, but those tools are not officially supported by Microsoft.
Does This Affect Other Image Options?
No. The “3D Edit” key only controls the “Edit with Paint 3D” entry. The regular “Edit” option (which opens classic Paint) is controlled by a separate key called “Edit” under the same “shell” folder. Deleting or renaming “3D Edit” leaves “Edit” untouched. Other image-related options like “Open with”, “Print”, and “Set as desktop background” are also unaffected.
How to Restore the Option
If you deleted the key instead of renaming it, you can recreate it manually. Here’s how:
- Open Registry Editor and navigate to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\image\shell - Right-click on “shell”, select New > Key, and name it
3D Edit. - Select the new “3D Edit” key, then on the right side, double-click the default value and set it to
Edit with Paint 3D(or leave it blank to use the command name). - Right-click on “3D Edit”, select New > Key, and name it
command. - Select the “command” key, double-click the default value, and enter:
"C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.Paint_3D_...\Paint3D.exe" "%1"
Note: The exact path depends on the installed version of Paint 3D. You can find it by right-clicking the Start menu shortcut and selecting “Open file location”, then checking the target. - Close Registry Editor. The option should reappear immediately.
Because the path includes a version number, it’s easier to rename the key rather than delete it if you think you might want it back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to edit the registry?
Yes, if you follow the steps carefully and only change the specific key mentioned. Always back up the registry (File > Export) before making changes. Deleting the wrong key could cause other context menu items to disappear, but the “3D Edit” key is isolated.
Will this uninstall Paint 3D?
No. Removing the context menu entry only hides the shortcut. Paint 3D remains installed and can still be opened from the Start menu or by searching for it.
Why did the option come back after an update?
Windows updates occasionally reset registry settings, especially after a feature update. If the option reappears, simply repeat the removal steps. You may need to do this again after major updates.
Can I remove it for only certain file types?
Yes. The key we modified is under “image”, which applies to all image file types. To limit it to specific extensions (e.g., only .jpg), you would need to create a separate key under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.jpg\shell and add a “3D Edit” subkey there. However, that is more complex and not necessary for most users.
Does this work on Windows 11?
Windows 11 uses a different context menu structure, and the same registry path may not work. This guide is specific to Windows 10. On Windows 11, you would need to use the “Show more options” menu or a different registry location.
What if I don’t want to touch the registry?
If you prefer not to edit the registry, you can use a third-party context menu editor like “ShellMenuView” or “Easy Context Menu”. These tools provide a graphical interface to disable or remove entries. However, they are not officially supported by Microsoft, so use them at your own risk.
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