Where to Find Paint on Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

While Microsoft Paint may not be prominently featured in the latest version of Windows 11 (W11), it is still available. This article provides a detailed guide on how to find Paint on Windows 11 and explore alternative methods for using this classic image editing tool.

Understanding the Changes in Windows 11

Many users, myself included, noticed that Paint was not included in the official list of changes and updates for Windows 11. This led to curiosity about its availability. While the old version of Paint was indeed considered more user-friendly, it has been a long time since its last update.

Admittedly, expectations about Paint's availability on Windows 11 were somewhat low. However, as I conducted an experiment, I discovered that Paint is indeed still accessible. This guide will walk you through the process.

Using the Old Paint Version

As a curiosity experiment, I accessed an old XP laptop and navigated to the following directory:

From there, I located the Paint executable (mspaint.exe) file, which is still present in the Windows directory. By copying this file to a USB drive and then moving it to the desktop of my Windows 10 tower, I was able to launch the XP version of Paint. As expected, all functions worked seamlessly, and images imported and edited as usual.

While this method may seem a bit gimmicky, it demonstrates the invaluable nature of this time-tested application in modern digital environments. For users needing to access Paint quickly, this method can be a useful workaround until a newer version is officially released or installed.

Official Method: Microsoft Store

Microsoft has made it easier for users to access Paint by updating the Paint application to work natively on Windows 11. Currently, you can find Paint under the Microsoft Store. From there, you can search for an application called Paint 3D.

Once you locate Paint 3D in the Microsoft Store, simply click on the Install button to begin the installation process. After the installation is complete, you can launch Paint 3D from the Start menu by typing its name in the search bar.

Exploring Paint 3D

Paint 3D is a Microsoft-developed application designed to provide a more modern and digital paper-like experience. This version of Paint uses a 3D digital canvas and can be used with a variety of tools to create and edit 3D models, sketches, and other digital media.

In contrast to the traditional Paint application, Paint 3D offers a more immersive and interactive experience. Users can choose from various brushes and tools to create and edit their images, and the application supports a wide range of formats, including PNG, JPEG, and SVG.

Limitations and Workarounds

While Paint 3D offers a modern take on the classic Paint application, it may not be suitable for all users. If you prefer the more straightforward and user-friendly interface of the original Paint, you can still use the method mentioned earlier to access the XP version of Paint.

Conclusion

Despite Paint's absence from the official list of included applications on Windows 11, you can still find and use it. The old XP version of Paint can be accessed through manual copying and launching, while the Paint 3D application is a more modern and feature-rich alternative. Whether you prefer the ease of Paint 3D or the familiarity of the XP version, this guide provides you with the necessary steps to access and use Microsoft Paint on Windows 11.