How to Restore Classic Paint App in Windows 10

This tutorial is no longer valid in Windows 10 version 1903 and higher

See: Install or Uninstall Microsoft Paint (mspaint) in Windows 10

   Information

Starting with Windows 10 build 14971 Creators Update, the Paint 3D Preview app is now included as part of Windows 10. Opening Paint from Start or running mspaint.exe will now take you to the Paint 3D Preview app instead of the classic Paint (aka: "Microsoft Paint") win32 app.

New Microsoft Paint Accessibility Features in Windows 10 version 1903

This tutorial will show you how to restore the classic Paint (mspaint.exe) win32 app for all users in Windows 10.

Restoring classic Paint doesn’t prevent you from using the Paint 3D Preview app. You will still be able to launch Paint 3D Preview from the Start menu shortcut.

You must be signed in as an administrator to restore the Paint app.

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Starting with Windows 10 build 15002, this is no longer valid to restore the classic Paint (mspaint.exe) app. You can now use Open with to select "C:\Windows\System32\mspaint.exe" for the classic Paint.

Starting with Windows 10 build 15025, the Paint (mspaint.exe) shortcut has been returned to Start > All Apps > Windows Accessories.

Stating with Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, Paint (mspaint.exe) will be deprecated. However, it will still be available as a free app from the Windows Store.

• Features removed or Deprecated in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update - Windows 10 Forums
• MS Paint is here to stay in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

   Note

The downloadable .reg files below will add and modify the DWORD value in the registry key below.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Applets\Paint\Settings

DisableModernPaintBootstrap DWORD

(delete) = Open modern "Paint 3D" app
1= Open classic "Paint" win32 app

   Warning

Starting with Windows 10 build 17063, there is a new Product alert button on the toolbar of Paint (mspaint.exe) warning:

Attachment 169451

EXAMPLE: New "Paint 3D" and classic "Paint" apps




Here's How:

1. Do step 2 (Paint) or step 3 (Paint 3D) below for what you would like to do.

 2. To Open Paint win32 app

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Restore_Classic_Paint.reg

Download

 3. To Open Paint 3D Preview app

NOTE: This is the default setting.

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Use_Paint_3D.reg

Download

4. Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

6. If prompted, click on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7. You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.


That's it,
Shawn

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