Yes, Microsoft Paint was originally known as Paintbrush between 1985 and 1995.
Microsoft now hosts the standard version of Paint as a standalone app in the store, which is the officially supported method for restoration. Open the Microsoft Store via your Start menu. Search for in the top search bar. Click Install or Get to begin the download.
Once finished, you can find it by searching for "Paint" in your Start menu.
For users who want to try classic Paint without any installation, portable versions exist.
What many users think of as “classic Paint” (the Windows 7 era interface) is no longer officially distributed by Microsoft for Windows 10 or Windows 11. The versions available through Optional Features and the Microsoft Store have been updated to match the Windows 10 and 11 design language, but they retain the same core functionality. If you specifically want the old blue-and-gray interface, you’ll need to use a third‑party installer. install classic paint windows 10
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_OperatingSystem | ForEach-Object $_.InstallDate = $_.InstallDate.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd") ; Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object $_.Name -eq "Microsoft Paint" | ForEach-Object $_.Install(); $_.Uninstall()
It lacks the complex 3D rendering tools that most users do not need for daily tasks. Method 1: Use the Built-in Classic Paint
If you do not see the Paint folder, right-click Applets , select > Key , and name it Paint .
The most official way to ensure the classic application is on your system is through Windows' own settings: Open Settings Windows key + I or search for "Settings" in the Start menu. Navigate to Apps Optional features Add the Feature Add a feature , search for Microsoft Paint , select it, and click Yes, Microsoft Paint was originally known as Paintbrush
Create a new folder on your Windows 10 PC (e.g., C:\ClassicPaint ).
sfc /scannow
While Paint 3D offered advanced features like three-dimensional modeling and transparent canvases, it lacked the lightweight efficiency, rapid startup time, and pixel-perfect simplicity that made the classic Paint a staple for over three decades.
Note: These steps are often required, especially on Windows 11, but also helpful on later versions of Windows 10 to ensure the classic version takes priority. Frequently Asked Questions Search for in the top search bar
Right-click the Paint icon on your taskbar and select for easy access. Right-click any image file (like a .jpg or .png). Select Open with > Choose another app .
Paste the file into a new folder on your Windows 10 machine (e.g., C:\ClassicPaint\ ).
This will install the modern version of Paint, which retains the classic feel and functionality but may also include a few new features [12†L19-L22].
If you do not see the Paint folder under Applets , right-click Applets , select , and name it Paint . Step 3: Create the Disable Redirect Value Right-click the Paint key (folder) in the left pane. Select New > Key , and name this new subkey Settings . Click on the Settings folder.