Muscle memory for pixel-art and basic editing remains intact. Method 1: Use the Built-in Classic Paint (Easiest)
The installer automatically places the app into your system directory, maps it to your Start Menu, and ensures it runs perfectly alongside any other modern apps you have installed.
Microsoft has played hide-and-seek with Classic Paint. In many versions of Windows 10 (specifically versions 1803 through 1903), the app is still installed but hidden.
Sometimes Windows 10 will redirect your mspaint command to open Paint 3D instead. You can fix this by modifying a simple registry key. install classic paint windows 10
Free, excellent for illustration and digital painting, large brush library.
Visit https://winaero.com/download-classic-paint-windows-10/ and download the Classic Paint ZIP file.
Windows 10 still contains the traditional application code hidden beneath its modern interface. You can launch it instantly without installing external files. Press the to open the Run dialogue box. Type mspaint.exe into the input field. Press Enter or click OK . Muscle memory for pixel-art and basic editing remains intact
Supports plugins, very active development, excellent for basic to intermediate image editing.
Sometimes Windows 10 opens Paint 3D even when you try to open the classic version. You can fix this via the Registry Editor. Press Win + R , type , and hit Enter.
If you have the old mspaint.exe but it keeps opening Paint 3D instead, you can use a registry tweak to stop the redirect. Press Win + R , type regedit , and hit Enter. In many versions of Windows 10 (specifically versions
Right-click in the right pane, select , and name it DisableModernPaintBootstrap .
Click . This installer bypasses Windows 10 updates, ensuring your classic Paint will not be replaced or deleted during future OS updates. Troubleshooting: What to Do If Paint Keeps Opening Paint 3D