How to Get the Windows 11 Paint App on Windows 10: A Complete Guide

Microsoft redesigned Paint for Windows 11 with a modern interface featuring rounded corners, updated icons, and new tools that complement the operating system's visual design. While this refreshed Paint app is officially exclusive to Windows 11, Windows 10 users can still access it through a specific installation process. The classic MS Paint remains available, but the new version offers an improved user experience worth exploring.

You can install the Windows 11 Paint app on Windows 10 by downloading the package and following a manual installation process, though it requires more steps than a standard app installation. The redesigned Paint app isn't directly available in the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 users, which means you'll need to use alternative methods to get it running on your system.

This guide walks you through the complete installation process, compares the old and new Paint experiences, and addresses common issues you might encounter. You'll also discover alternative image editing options and learn practical tips for using the redesigned Paint app effectively once you have it installed.

Step-by-Step Guide: Installing the Redesigned Paint on Windows 10

The installation process requires downloading the MSIXBUNDLE package, modifying specific installation files to bypass Windows 11 requirements, and using PowerShell commands to complete the setup.

Obtaining the MSIXBUNDLE Package

You need to download the Windows 11 Paint app package from a third-party repository since Microsoft doesn't officially distribute it for Windows 10. Visit the store.rg-adguard.net website and select ProductID from the left dropdown menu.

Set the right dropdown to Fast or Retail ring. Paste the Paint app's product ID into the search field and click the check button. The website will generate a list of available download links.

Look for the file named microsoft.paint_11.2110.0.0_neutral or a similar version number with the .msixbundle extension. Download both the main MSIXBUNDLE file and any required dependency packages. The file size should be approximately 30-40 MB for the main package.

Modifying Installation Files for Compatibility

The downloaded MSIXBUNDLE package contains restrictions that prevent installation on Windows 10. You must extract and modify the AppxManifest.xml file to remove the Windows 11 version check.

Rename the .msixbundle file extension to .zip and extract its contents to a folder. Navigate through the extracted folders until you locate the AppxManifest.xml file. Open this file with a text editor like Notepad.

Find the line containing TargetDeviceFamily with MinVersion set to a Windows 11 build number. Change the MinVersion value to 10.0.19041.0 or lower to match Windows 10 build numbers. Save the file and keep the extracted folder accessible for the next step.

Enabling Developer Mode and Installing with PowerShell

Windows 10 requires Developer Mode enabled to install unsigned applications. Open Settings > Update & Security > For Developers and toggle on Developer Mode. Wait for the required components to download and install.

Launch Windows PowerShell as Administrator by right-clicking the Start button. Navigate to the folder containing your modified Paint app files using the cd command. Execute the installation command: Add-AppxPackage -Register AppxManifest.xml.

The installation process takes 30-60 seconds to complete. Once finished, you can launch the redesigned Paint app from your Start menu. The app will display the modern Windows 11 interface with rounded corners and updated toolbars.

Comparing Classic and Redesigned Paint Experiences

The Windows 11 Paint app introduces a modernized interface with rounded corners and updated menus, while the classic MS Paint maintains its straightforward, functional layout. Performance improvements and new features like layers and background removal distinguish the redesigned paint app from its predecessor.

Visual Overhaul and User Interface Changes

The Windows 11 Paint features a complete visual redesign that aligns with the operating system's modern aesthetic. You'll notice rounded corners throughout the interface, along with Mica material effects that create a softer, more contemporary appearance. The toolbar has been updated with new icon designs that are cleaner and more visually consistent.

The color palette now displays in a rounded format instead of the traditional square grid you remember from classic MS Paint. Drop-down menus have replaced some of the old toolbar buttons, particularly for brushes, stroke sizes, and flip/rotate controls. This reorganization creates a more streamlined workspace.

Classic MS Paint retains its traditional Windows 10-style interface with sharp corners and familiar placement of tools. The layout remains unchanged from previous versions, making it instantly recognizable for long-time users who prefer the original design language.

Performance and Usability

The new Paint app runs as a UWP (Universal Windows Platform) application, which can result in slightly different loading times compared to the classic version. You'll find that basic image editing tasks work smoothly in both versions, though the redesigned paint app may consume more system resources due to its modern architecture.

Navigation differs between versions. The Windows 11 Paint organizes tools into collapsible menus, which reduces visual clutter but requires additional clicks to access certain features. Classic Paint displays most tools directly on the interface, allowing you to switch between functions with a single click.

Feature Differences and New Additions

The redesigned paint app includes advanced capabilities that classic MS Paint lacks entirely. You can now work with layers, remove backgrounds automatically, and delete unwanted objects from images. These additions transform Paint from a basic drawing tool into a more capable image editor.

Classic MS Paint focuses exclusively on fundamental functions: drawing shapes, adding text, filling colors, and cropping images. It doesn't include the background removal, layer support, or AI-powered features found in the Windows 11 version. However, its simplicity means you can complete basic tasks without navigating through additional menus or learning new workflows.

Paint 3D exists as a separate application and shouldn't be confused with either version, as it specializes in three-dimensional object creation rather than traditional two-dimensional image editing.

Troubleshooting Installation and Accessibility Issues

Installing the Windows 11 Paint app on Windows 10 may encounter errors related to system compatibility, corrupted files, or Windows Store issues. You might also face situations where the Paint app becomes hidden or appears to be missing from your system.

Common Errors and Solutions

Windows Store errors are the most frequent obstacle when installing the Windows 11 Paint app. If you receive error code 0x80073D05, you need to uninstall the existing Paint app completely before attempting a new installation. Error 0x80073CF9 indicates insufficient storage space, requiring you to free up at least 500 MB on your system drive.

Registry corruption can prevent the Paint app from installing properly. Run the Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter by typing "troubleshoot" in the Windows search bar and selecting "Other troubleshooters." This tool automatically fixes corrupted registry keys and incomplete installation data.

If the Microsoft Store itself isn't working, open PowerShell as administrator and run: wsreset.exe. This command clears the Store cache without deleting installed apps. You can also reset the Microsoft Store through Settings > Apps > Apps & features, locating Microsoft Store, and selecting Advanced options > Reset.

How to Reinstall Microsoft Paint

Uninstalling the Paint app requires accessing Windows Settings. Navigate to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, then search for "Paint" in the list. Click the three-dot menu next to Paint and select Uninstall.

After uninstalling, restart your computer to clear any residual files. Open the Microsoft Store and search for "Paint" to reinstall Microsoft Paint. Sign in with your Microsoft account if prompted, as some app installations require authentication.

For stubborn installation issues, use PowerShell to force reinstall. Open PowerShell as administrator and execute: Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Paint | Remove-AppxPackage to remove the app completely. Then install the Paint app fresh from the Microsoft Store.

Retrieving Hidden or Missing Paint App

The Paint app sometimes becomes hidden in the Start menu without being uninstalled. Type "mspaint.exe" directly in the Windows search bar or Run dialog (Win + R) to launch it. If Paint opens, it's installed but not visible in your app list.

Check optional features by going to Settings > Apps > Optional features. Scroll through the installed features list to verify Paint's presence. If Paint appears in the list but won't launch, select it and choose Modify > Repair to fix corrupted files.

You can also locate the Paint executable directly at C:\Program Files\WindowsApps (a hidden folder). Enable viewing hidden folders in File Explorer, navigate to this directory, and search for folders containing "Microsoft.Paint" in the name. The actual executable location varies based on your specific Paint app version.

Alternative Image Editing Tools for Windows Users

Windows 10 includes built-in image editing applications that provide similar functionality to the Windows 11 Paint app, and free third-party software offers more advanced capabilities for users who need additional features.

Using Paint 3D and Photos App

Paint 3D comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and serves as Microsoft's modern successor to MS Paint. You can access it through the Start menu or by searching "Paint 3D" in the Windows search box. The application supports basic image editing operations including cropping, rotating, and adding text or stickers to images.

Paint 3D also introduces 3D object creation and manipulation capabilities. You can draw directly on images, apply various brush effects, and adjust colors using intuitive tools. The interface differs from classic Paint but remains accessible for beginners.

The Photos app provides another built-in option for basic image editing on Windows 10. You can open images directly in Photos by right-clicking any image file and selecting "Open with" then "Photos." This app includes editing tools for adjusting light, color, and clarity, plus options to crop and rotate images. Photos also offers filters and spot fixes for quick enhancements.

Third-Party Options Like GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) stands out as the most powerful free alternative to MS Paint for Windows users. This open-source software supports advanced features including layers, masks, customizable brushes, and professional-grade color correction tools. You can download GIMP from its official website at gimp.org.

Paint.NET offers a middle ground between basic image editing and professional software. This free Windows application supports layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and essential editing tools while maintaining a simpler interface than GIMP. You can download it from getpaint.net.

Both applications handle common image formats including JPEG, PNG, GIF, and TIFF. GIMP provides more extensive capabilities for photo manipulation and graphic design, while Paint.NET focuses on ease of use with enough features to satisfy most casual editing needs.

Tips for Maximizing the Redesigned Paint App

The redesigned Paint app offers enhanced capabilities beyond basic image editing when combined with Windows' existing graphics ecosystem and optimized for daily tasks. Understanding how to integrate Paint with other tools and adapt it to your workflow increases productivity.

Integrating with Other Windows Graphics Tools

The Windows 11 Paint app works seamlessly with Snipping Tool for quick screenshot editing. After capturing a screenshot with Snipping Tool, click the edit button to open it directly in Paint for advanced modifications like adding layers or removing backgrounds.

You can use Paint alongside Photos app for a complete editing workflow. Start with Photos for basic adjustments like brightness and filters, then send images to Paint for precise drawing, text additions, or object removal. Right-click any image in Photos and select "Edit with Paint" to transfer instantly.

For professional workflows, Paint exports images that open cleanly in Adobe Photoshop or GIMP. Save your Paint files as PNG to preserve transparency when moving between applications. The redesigned Paint maintains layer information temporarily, so complete your layer work before exporting to other programs.

Recommendations for Everyday Use

Enable dark mode in Paint through Windows Settings to reduce eye strain during extended editing sessions. The paint app automatically matches your system theme, making it comfortable for late-night projects.

Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up repetitive tasks: Ctrl+E for image properties, Ctrl+G to toggle gridlines, and Ctrl+Shift+N for a new window. These commands eliminate menu navigation when working on multiple images simultaneously.

Set Paint as your default image editor by right-clicking any image file, selecting "Open with," choosing Paint, and checking "Always use this app." This streamlines your workflow for quick edits like resizing photos or adding annotations to screenshots.

Keep your canvas organized by using the zoom slider for detailed work on specific areas. The redesigned paint includes a fit-to-window option that automatically adjusts your view when switching between detail work and full-image perspective.