RIP, Paint 3D. Microsoft is shutting down the graphics editor as of Nov. 4 - due to "unpopularity"

Paint 3D is a reimagining of the classic Microsoft Paint with 3D modeling capabilities, launched in October 2016.

As reported by tomshardware, some users have received a notification within the app stating that "Paint 3D will no longer be available in the Microsoft Store and will not receive updates starting November 4, 2024."

Paint 3D now has a banner stating that it will no longer receive updates or be available in the Microsoft Store starting on November 4th. pic.twitter.com/ksPg1Irdjo

— phantomofearth 🌳 (@phantomofearth) August 10, 2024

Ironically, the application, which was marketed as a modernized version of classic Paint, is shutting down just eight years after its launch—while its predecessor receives a "second life" with an AI-based image generator (at the time of Paint 3D's launch, some users were outraged about potential replacement, leading Microsoft to keep both versions available for Windows 10 and 11).

Microsoft introduced Paint 3D with a focus on 3D modeling; however, it also offered features such as layers, transparency effects, background removal, PNG support, and more. Meanwhile, users preferred the classic Paint for its simplicity, ease of use, and quick launch—last year, Microsoft added all of the aforementioned features to its predecessor.